Kargil Democratic Alliance Hunger Strike from August 9 | Ladakh Statehood & Sixth Schedule Demand
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 07 Aug 2025
Ladakh’s Democratic Pulse Awakens
In the remote yet politically vibrant region of Ladakh, a new wave of democratic assertion is gaining momentum. The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), a coalition of political, religious, and civil society groups, has announced a three-day hunger strike beginning August 9, 2025, to demand the restoration of statehood and implementation of the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh.
This protest is not just a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic move to reignite public discourse around Ladakh’s constitutional rights, autonomy, and identity. The hunger strike will be held at Hussaini Park in Kargil, culminating in a massive public rally on August 11.
Understanding the Core Demands: Statehood and Sixth Schedule
🔹 Why Statehood Matters
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories, Ladakh has been governed directly by the Centre. While this move was hailed by some as a step toward development, many in Ladakh feel disempowered, with no elected legislative assembly or local governance mechanisms.
Statehood would restore:
- A legislative assembly with law-making powers
- Greater political representation
- Administrative autonomy to address local issues
For Ladakhis, statehood is not just a political demand—it’s a call for self-determination, accountability, and inclusive governance.
🔹 Sixth Schedule: A Shield for Ladakh’s Identity
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides autonomous governance for tribal and indigenous regions. It allows for:
- Protection of land ownership
- Preservation of culture and language
- Control over local resources and employment
- Formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
Given Ladakh’s unique ethnic composition, fragile ecology, and strategic location, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule is seen as vital to prevent external exploitation, demographic shifts, and cultural erosion.
Voices from the Ground: What KDA Leaders Are Saying
Asgar Ali Karbalai, senior Congress leader and KDA co-chairman, has been vocal about the Centre’s “delaying tactics”. In a recent statement, he said:
“We are not going to tolerate this delay any longer. The assurances given to the people of Ladakh must translate into action. This hunger strike is a peaceful democratic protest to remind the Centre of its promises.”
Karbalai emphasized that the hunger strike is not confrontational but constructive, aimed at mobilizing public support and pressuring the government to act.
Other KDA leaders echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for constitutional safeguards, local empowerment, and inclusive development.
Protest Details: A Peaceful Yet Powerful Demonstration
The hunger strike is meticulously planned to ensure maximum visibility and public participation:
- Start Date: August 9, 2025
- End Date: August 11, 2025
- Time: 10 AM to 4 PM daily
- Location: Hussaini Park, Kargil
- Culmination: Public rally on August 11 at 4 PM
The protest will feature:
- Speeches by political and civil society leaders
- Cultural performances highlighting Ladakh’s heritage
- Interactive sessions on constitutional rights and governance
- Media coverage to amplify the message nationally
KDA has also invited Buddhist leaders from Leh, signaling a desire for regional unity across religious and ethnic lines.
A Call for Unity: Bridging Kargil and Leh
Historically, Ladakh’s politics have been marked by regional and religious divides—Kargil being predominantly Shia Muslim, and Leh largely Buddhist. However, the hunger strike aims to transcend these divisions, presenting a unified front for Ladakh’s constitutional rights.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has previously collaborated with KDA on a four-point agenda, has not officially confirmed participation. Yet, KDA’s open invitation to Leh’s leaders reflects a mature political vision—one that prioritizes collective interests over sectarian identities.
The Four-Point Agenda: A Blueprint for Ladakh’s Future
KDA and LAB have jointly proposed a four-point agenda to the Centre:
- Full-fledged statehood for Ladakh
- Sixth Schedule inclusion for constitutional protection
- Establishment of a Public Service Commission for local recruitment
- Allocation of two parliamentary seats—one each for Kargil and Leh
While the Centre has cited a delimitation freeze until 2026 for the parliamentary seats, the other demands remain unaddressed, prompting this hunger strike.
Political Context: Why Now?
The timing of the hunger strike is significant. It comes amid:
- Growing frustration over stalled talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Public disillusionment with bureaucratic governance
- Environmental concerns over unchecked development
- Cultural anxiety about identity loss
Moreover, activists like Sonam Wangchuk have previously staged hunger strikes, amplifying the call for constitutional safeguards. The KDA’s protest builds on this momentum, aiming to institutionalize the demands through sustained public pressure.
Media Strategy: Amplifying the Message
KDA has planned a multi-platform media campaign to ensure the hunger strike reaches a national audience:
- Live coverage on social media platforms
- Press releases to regional and national outlets
- Hashtag campaigns like #LadakhDemandsJustice and #KargilHungerStrike
- Video documentaries capturing the protest’s essence
- Opinion pieces by scholars and activists
This media strategy is designed to humanize the protest, educate the public, and pressure policymakers.
Broader Implications: What This Means for India
The hunger strike is not just a regional issue—it has national and constitutional implications:
- It tests India’s commitment to federalism and democratic rights
- It raises questions about Centre-State relations
- It highlights the need for inclusive governance in tribal regions
- It sets a precedent for peaceful civic engagement
If successful, the protest could pave the way for policy reforms, constitutional amendments, and greater autonomy for other marginalized regions.
Expert Opinions: What Analysts Are Saying
Political analysts view the hunger strike as a turning point in Ladakh’s democratic journey. According to Dr. Tashi Namgyal, a constitutional scholar:
“The Sixth Schedule is not a privilege—it’s a necessity for regions like Ladakh. The hunger strike is a legitimate tool to demand what is constitutionally viable.”
Others argue that the Centre must engage sincerely, lest the region’s trust deficit widen.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning
The Kargil Democratic Alliance hunger strike is more than a protest—it’s a plea for dignity, a call for justice, and a demand for recognition. As Ladakh stands at a crossroads, the next few days will determine whether its people are heard or ignored.
The hunger strike is a test of democracy, a mirror to governance, and a beacon of hope for constitutional empowerment.
Call to Action
If you believe in democratic rights, regional autonomy, and inclusive governance, amplify this message. Share the story. Join the conversation. Let Ladakh’s voice echo across the nation.
