Hill Council, Leh moved a resolution to demand constitutional safeguards for Ladakh to protect the rights of its indigenous population on September 3.

The resolution was moved by Deputy Chairman Hill Council, Leh Tsering Sandup was seconded by Councilor Saspol, Tsering Wangdus followed by the support speech of Executive Councilor for Minority Mumtaz Hussain and Councillor Upper Leh Ven. Lobzang Nyantak.

However, opposition party opposed the resolution and walked out of the house in the middle of the session. Councilors of the Congress party alleged that the resolution is confusing and lacks clarity regarding needed constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. They demanded a constitutional safeguard for Ladakh under the Sixth schedule.

The resolution passed by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council, Leh reads as, “Keeping in view the aspiration of the people of Ladakh, Ladakh should be granted constitutional safeguards for the land, environment, employment, business and cultural resources either under 6th schedule or Article 371 or Domicile Act of the Constitution of India to protect the tribal rights of the indigenous people of Ladakh.”

Member Parliament, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal as an ex officio member of Hill Council Leh welcomed every section of society, senior leaders, and individual of Ladakh for their concern regarding constitutional safeguard for UT Ladakh and thanked LAHDC, Leh for passing a resolution in the elected house. 

Clarifying the allegation of not demanding the sixth schedule for Ladakh directly rather saying constitutional safeguard, JTN said that Selective law and safeguards of any state can’t be replicated in UT Ladakh as Ladakh has its unique demography, different socio-economic and climatic condition, geo-climatic factors, and border aspects. He expressed his concern over the revival of customary laws like polygamy and animal sacrifices in the civilized society of Ladakh again under the 6th Schedule.

He stressed on demanding what is best for Ladakh understanding all aspects rather than jumping on conclusion.

The resolution was also moved on the amendment of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act by giving complete control over subjects like ownership of transfer of land, employment, natural resources, environment, and culture of the indigenous people of Ladakh.