AMN / WEB DESK
At least four people were killed and 70 injured after a massive agitation over demands for statehood and other things turned violent in Leh on Wednesday. The situation worsened when some youth pelted stones at the headquarters of the BJP and the Hill Council. Police and paramilitary forces, deployed in strength across the town, lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control.
Prohibitory orders imposed in Leh following violent protests over demand for Ladakh’s statehood, extension of Sixth Schedule
Locals took to the street and protests for demand of Sixth Schedule and Statehood for Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta has strongly condemned incidents of Violence and appeals for Peace. He said that Center is ready to talk and the violent incidents that happened today in Leh is against the history and legacy of Ladakh. Mr. Gupta added that people who have instigated the violence are responsible for the loss in today’s protest.
The Lieutenant Governor strongly appealed to all sections of society in engage in peaceful dialogue. He urged Civil and religious organization to work for the peace and better future of Ladakh. The decision to impose restrictions comes after violent protests erupted in Leh in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on extension of Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh. District Magistrate , Leh has issued an order under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, for maintaining the Law and Order in district Leh.
As per the Order, No Procession, rally or March shall be carried out without prior approval from Competent authority in Leh. No use of Loudspeaker mounted on vehicles, No one is allowed to make Statements which has potential to disturb the public tranquility and which may led to law and order problem in the district. Assembly of five or more persons shall remain prohibited within the Jurisdiction of district Leh.
During the arson, the local BJP office was set on fire and a vehicle was also torched, as protesters resorted to arson. Police used teargas and baton charged the protesters to contain the violence.
Following the unrest, the Union administration in Leh imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh.
Ladakh demands Sixth Schedule, what is it ?
What is the Sixth Schedule?
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains provisions regarding the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. It allows local communities to have a significant say in how these regions are administered.
The protesting youth in Ladakh demand that it fall under the protections of the Sixth Schedule.
According to the Schedule, the tribal areas, which have been deemed an autonomous district, could be divided into areas by the governor if there are different Scheduled Tribes in the region.
For each autonomous district, there shall be a District Council consisting of not more than 30 members.
The governor shall not nominate more than four members, while the rest shall be elected on the basis of adult suffrage. Additionally, a separate Regional Council shall be established for each autonomous region.
Powers: As per the Sixth Schedule, in an autonomous district with Regional Councils, the District Council shall only have such powers with respect to the areas under the authority of the Regional Council as may be delegated to it by the Regional Council, in addition to the powers conferred on it by this Schedule with respect to such areas. The schedule also defines the powers of the District Councils and Regional Councils to make laws, and the administration of justice in autonomous districts and regions.
It also spells out the conferment of powers under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, on the Regional and District Councils and on certain courts and officers for the trial of certain suits, cases and offences.
Under this Schedule, the Governor has the power to dissolve a district or a regional council on the recommendation of a Commission.
Can the Sixth Schedule be amended?
The Parliament, by law, from time to time, may amend the schedule by way of addition, variation or repeal any of the provisions.
“When the Schedule is so amended, any reference to this Schedule in the Constitution shall be construed as a reference to the amended version,” the law states.