In Focus by The Hindu In Focus-Parley | Should Ladakh get statehood?
Oct 2, 2025
Rangarajan R, a former IAS officer and author, teams up with Sajjad Kargili from the Kargil Democratic Alliance to tackle the pressing issue of Ladakh's statehood. They delve into the loss of political representation post-2019 reorganization and the potential benefits of Sixth Schedule protections. The duo discusses the urgent need for constitutional safeguards amid ongoing unrest, bureaucratic apathy in local governance, and whether empowered councils could effectively replace statehood. Sajjad passionately calls for dignified dialogue and justice for Ladakh.
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Loss Of Democratic Representation
- Ladakh lost its democratic representation after the 2019 reorganisation and feels politically voiceless.
- Sajjad Kargili argues statehood would restore local voice, land safeguards and recruitment opportunities.
Single MP Undercuts Local Governance
- A single Lok Sabha MP is insufficient for Ladakh's vast terrain and diverse local needs.
- Rangarajan recommends Sixth Schedule protections to provide local autonomy and land safeguards first.
Start With Sixth Schedule
- Pursue Sixth Schedule status first to secure autonomous councils, land protections and revenue powers.
- Use those powers to improve representation and then revisit statehood demand if needed.
