PROTESTS IN LADAKH
GS PAPER-2 Indian Polity & Constitution
Ladakh known for its scenic beauty, tourism, adventure, and immense support during India-Pakistan Kargil War in 1999, is facing the heat of protests.
WHY ARE THEY PROTESTING?
1- Demand of Statehood.
2- Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule.
3- Setting up an exclusive Public Service Commission like UPSC, SPSC.
4- Representation in the Parliament and environmental concerns.
Let us know about the history of Ladakh:
From the first century AD onwards, Ladakh was part of the Kushan Empire. Later administered by Hindu Dogra Rulers and even the Qing Dynasty of Tibet invaded it but lost the war leading to signing the Treaty of Chushul. In the First Anglo-Sikh War in 1845-46, it became part of the British suzerainty.
Strategic Importance:
1- Acts as a buffer zone between China and Pakistan.
2- Lies in the Trans-Himalayas in the Karakoram Mountain Range. Ladakh is famous for snow leopards( IUCN- VULNERABLE) and also having the Hemis National Park.