&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Ladakh protests: What is Sixth Schedule of Constitution that protesters are demanding?")
The recent protests in Ladakh, which turned violent on Wednesday (September 24), have been driven by demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and a call for statehood. At least four people lost their lives in the clashes, and the unrest intensified after the Leh Apex Body’s (LAB) youth wing organised a protest and a shutdown following the hospitalisation of two individuals on hunger strike.
The Centre has scheduled talks between Ladakh's representatives—including LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—for October 6. However, the Centre’s unilateral decision to set this date triggered more protests. At the core of the issue is Ladakh’s demand to be governed under the Sixth Schedule, which would offer the region greater autonomy and tribal protections. In 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory after being separated from Jammu and Kashmir. For over seven decades, Ladakhis had been advocating for this move, claiming their needs were ignored by the former state government of Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the Sixth Schedule?
The Sixth Schedule governs the administration of tribal areas in four northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram—by granting these regions substantial autonomy. It allows tribal communities to manage local affairs, providing them with a more significant role in governance and decision-making.
Protestors in Ladakh are calling for similar protections under the Sixth Schedule. This would mean the establishment of autonomous districts within the region, with local District Councils that would have the power to legislate and manage resources. The councils would consist of up to 30 members, with a portion elected by the local population, and the governor allowed to nominate some members. The Schedule also gives these councils jurisdiction over legal matters and allows the governor to dissolve councils upon the recommendation of a special commission.
Can the Sixth Schedule Be Amended?
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent
)
India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh
)
Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?
)
Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition
)
‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal
)
Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch
)
Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine
)
Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states
)
Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions
)
Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy
)
Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS
)
'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia
)
Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside
)
Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot
)
RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act
)
Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances
)
Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation
)
New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know
)
India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims
)
Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed
)
US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built
)
Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH
)
Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school
)
Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report
Yes, the Indian Parliament has the power to amend the Sixth Schedule through legislation, adding, altering, or repealing provisions as necessary. Any amendments automatically update the references to the Schedule in the Constitution.
