Kharge stands with Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule demand

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the party stood firmly with the people of Ladakh in their demand for meaningful constitutional safeguards, including Sixth Schedule status, to protect the Union Territory’s land, employment opportunities, fragile environment, culture and identity.In a post on X, Kharge said four young people were shot dead in Leh a year ago during protests demanding democratic and constitutional rights for the people of Ladakh.“A year ago, four young people were shot in Leh during the agitation for the Democratic and Constitutional rights of the people of Ladakh. On Martyrs’ Day, we pay our solemn homage to them and stand in complete solidarity with their families,” Kharge said in a post on X.“The judicial inquiry into the tragic events of September 24 must establish the full truth, ensure accountability and deliver justice without fear or favour. The people of Ladakh have waited long enough for their legitimate aspirations to be addressed,” he added.On September 24, 2025, police in Leh opened fire during violent protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, killing four people.Kharge said that the Congress party “stood firmly” with their demand for meaningful Constitutional safeguards, including the Sixth Schedule, to protect Ladakh’s land, employment, fragile environment, culture and identity.Meanwhile, Ladakh authorities on Tuesday promised a new framework under Article 371 to provide constitutional safeguards tailored to the Union territory’s specific needs.

In an interaction with prominent community members in Leh, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra indicated broad agreement on the need for such safeguards. “The protection should cover our land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources,” he said.Kundra said the new framework being worked out “considering the aspirations of Ladakhis does not exist anywhere else in the country”.The draft is expected to be discussed at the next meeting with Ladakh groups in the first week of October. The last meeting between the Centre and Ladakh representatives was held in Delhi on September 9.