Vijay Hashia
vijayhashia@hotmail.com
Ladakh, has been a politically quiet Himalayan region compared to its neighbour UT Jammu and Kashmir. It has witnessed far less political unrest and cross border insurgency than the decades of conflict in the Kashmir Valley. Known for its Buddhist monasteries, stark beauty, and the resilience of its people, it has symbolized calm and endurance. To India, Ladakh is not merely a frontier but a vital sentinel of sovereignty, guarding sensitive borders with both China and Pakistan. Yet beneath this serenity, a political storm now brews. The recent violent protests in Leh leaving four death and dozens injured have shattered the illusion of calm. The paradox is striking: how has a region that welcomed, celebrated Union Territory status with joy, jubilation and pride in 2019 now find itself burning with anger, demanding full statehood?
Historically, known in ancient texts as Maryul (“low land”) or Muryul (“red country”), the region bore the imprints of Dardic, Mon, and Tibetan migrations. By the 10th century CE, Tibetan ruler Skit Lde Nemagon unified Ladakh into a centralized kingdom, later strengthened under King Singge Namgyal in the 17th century, who built Leh Palace and extended influence into western Tibet.
Ladakh was never a mere frontier. It was an important corridor for the trans-Himalayan trade linking Tibet, Kashmir, and Central Asia. It was also a cultural bridge between Buddhism travelled northward into Tibet through Ladakh, while Islam found peaceful acceptance here through 16th-century missionary movements.
But the 19th century reversed its fortunes. Wars with Tibet and internal instability made Ladakh vulnerable. In 1842, it came under Dogra rule as part of Jammu and Kashmir. Post-1947, Ladakh’s strategic location, at the junction of India, China, and Pakistan made it a contested borderland. China occupied Aksai Chin, Pakistan took Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Ladakh, and Pakistan even ceded territory to China in 1963. What remained under India was reduced to Leh and Kargil districts. This turbulent past left Ladakhis with a deep yearning for autonomy, recognition, and protection of their unique culture.
For decades, Ladakhis feel politically marginalized and economically neglected. Nevertheless, the people and soldiers of Ladakh have stood firm in defending India, whether against the raiders of 1947 or during the 1962 war with China. The Ladakh Scouts, trained from among local volunteers, resisted Chinese aggression with remarkable courage. In 1971, they played a crucial role in securing India’s northern defences, and during the 1999 Kargil War, they earned the proud title of “Snow Warriors,” fighting in some of the world’s most inhospitable terrain where even survival is a challenge.
Among their heroes was Colonel Chewang Rinchen, twice decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra, hailed as “The Lion of Ladakh” and “Saviour of Ladakh. Sher Jung Thapa is credited with halting the enemy’s advance for six months during the Pak invasion. Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, Naib Subedar Chering Mutup and many other valiant warriors of War whose legacy remains as a lasting memorial. Countless Indian soldiers have laid down their lives to defend the precious frontiers of Ladakh too. Among them, Major Shaitan Singh, stands out as a celebrated hero, who fought with unparalleled courage and made the supreme sacrifice in 1962 Battle of Rezang La- a pivotal moment of that war.
Equally significant was Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the statesman monk, who ensured Ladakh’s place within the Indian Union and extended India’s influence into Buddhist Asia. As India’s ambassador to Mongolia, eminent Buddhist lama, worked tirelessly to revive Buddhism in Mongolia and Russia, forging deep ties between them and the Tibetan exile community in India
The turning point 2019
When Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019 and Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories, Ladakh erupted in celebration. For decades, Ladakhis felt neglected under Kashmiri domination. The grant of UT status seemed to promise direct attention from Delhi, greater empowerment and safeguards for land and jobs. It was seen as a pledge of genuine empowerment and a closer bond with union.
Ladakh has been not only a sentinel of India’s northern borders but also a bridge of civilizations, embodying both strategic significance and cultural richness. This is not merely a land of pashmina and monasteries, but a sensitive border region where every administrative decision carries national security implications.
The grouse
Five years later, the jubilation has curdled into disappointment. Ladakhis perceive themselves as subjects of domination. The Leh Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) perceive UT status toothless, subordinate to centrally appointed officials. With only one Lok Sabha seat, no Rajya Sabha presence, and negligible influence in decision-making, Ladakhis feel voiceless. The Leh and Kargil Hill Development Councils feel neglected of power. The Sixth Schedule protections for safeguarding land, jobs, and culture, they say, are still unfulfilled.
In this milieu, Ladakh’s younger generation, particularly Gen ‘Z’, influenced by recent unrest in Nepal, Bangaldesh, Sri Lanka and fuelled by social media and political leaders, have taken to the streets, resorting to vandalism and arson.
Ironically, the unrest has forged an unexpected alliance between Buddhist-majority Leh and Shia-majority Kargil. Together, the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are pressing strongly for full statehood, reflecting Ladakh’s powerful and shared grievance.
While Delhi recognizes its strategic significance and has invested heavily in defence infrastructure, the civilian needs – education, healthcare, jobs, governance needs to be looked after. Ladakh, today is not alienated, its people seek partnership not separation. For Delhi, Ladakh is foremost a military buffer against China and Pakistan. With a population of around three lakh, Ladakhis feel politically marginalized as compared to the larger states. Granting statehood would devolve power, which Delhi fears might complicate security operations.
The Way Forward:
Ladakh’s unrest is not insurmountable. What is required is a policy that balances strategic imperatives with democratic dignity. Enshrine protection for land, jobs, and culture to allay Ladakhi anxieties; consider one or two more separate parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil, alongside a Rajya Sabha seat; design policies sensitive to Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, involve locals in decision-making.
Delhi must engage with ABL and KDA as partners, not adversaries, with time-bound commitments. While statehood may be impractical, a phased roadmap could reassure Ladakhis that their aspirations are respected and looked after.
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