Ladakh, India’s remote high-altitude desert region, is in upheaval after violent protests demanding more political autonomy led to the deaths of four individuals.
Resentment towards New Delhi’s direct governance and fears of economic loss peaked on Wednesday, as demonstrators in Leh set fire to a police car and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office.
Initial police reports indicated five deaths, later corrected to four.
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The sparsely inhabited region, with about 300,000 residents, borders China and Pakistan.
The AFP examines the underlying issues.
Why are people protesting?
In 2019, Modi’s government separated Ladakh from Kashmir, imposing direct rule after revoking the region’s semi-autonomy.
Since then, frustration in Ladakh has grown over Delhi’s control, with worries about losing traditional jobs, land rights, and cultural heritage.
Locals argue that the loss of semi-autonomy deprived them of safeguarding land, employment, and resources.
Development decisions are made in Delhi and executed by external officials, marginalizing the local elected council.
“All our protections within Jammu and Kashmir disappeared,” lawyer Mustafa Haji told AFP.
Who is leading the demonstrations?
The Apex Body Leh, headed by seasoned leader Chering Dorjay, is the main voice of the protesters.
“We’ve been treated like slaves,” Dorjay, 77, stated, pledging to continue the fight.
Wednesday’s protests also showed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike for two weeks.
New Delhi attributed the unrest to Wangchuk’s “provocative speeches” and detained him on Friday.
What are the core demands?
Protesters seek protection of land rights and prevention of external property purchases in Ladakh.
They also want constitutional autonomy under India’s “Sixth Schedule,” allowing a local legislature to govern land use and employment.
Though full constitutional protections seem distant, ongoing talks with New Delhi have achieved some “small victories,” Dorjay noted.
The government has allocated 85% of jobs to locals and halted domicile status acquisition for outsiders until 2036.
Yet Dorjay asserts “there is a long way to go.”
Why is land a sensitive issue?
Plans for large-scale solar and industrial projects in Ladakh require extensive land use.
Locals worry this endangers grazing areas vital for pashmina goat herding, already threatened by climate change and buffer zones with China.
“The threat to this centuries-old livelihood impacts thousands of pashmina goat herders,” Dorjay said.
Ladakh is heavily militarized, with Indian troops securing its disputed borders with Pakistan and China.
Tensions escalated following deadly clashes with Chinese forces in 2020, and new buffer zones have further diminished land for herders.
“A situation without land and identity protection is unhappy,” lawyer Haji remarked.
How do Ladakhis view their relationship with India?
Unlike Kashmir, where opposition to Indian rule is strong, Ladakhis have historically supported India, aiding its military in past conflicts with Pakistan and China.
But many now feel betrayed.
“For 70 years, we’ve helped secure India’s borders,” Haji told AFP.
“Now we seek our own protection.”
