by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: Within days after five districts were added to the sparsely populated arid desert region, a huge group of people left on Pad Yatra to Delhi to seek the sixth schedule for the region. After the ceremonial start, the protesting yatris will have a night halt at Ranbirpura.
With tricolour in their heads, scores of men and women of all ages were seen moving out of Leh. They were shouting slogans – chalo chalo, dili chalo.
Reports said some people who join the yatra move with the core team from station to station and then new groups join in.
The protest is the latest initiative if the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and their partner Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) are set to join them later. The yatra will cover 25 km a day and will reach Delhi within a month. This month-long foot march to the national capital aims to press for their demands. On October 2 the final protest will occur at Raj Ghat, New Delhi. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance are seeking statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Yatra is being joined by LAB, KDA, Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, Aam Aadmi Party and Congress members.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution protects tribal populations and their interests through autonomous governance. It also establishes autonomous institutional mechanisms that have legislative, judicial and executive powers for governance.
People in Ladakh, with a 97 per cent tribal population, have been holding protests demanding the union territory be brought under the Sixth Schedule, for the local councils to have autonomy over the protection of its environment and culture.
Earlier, last week, Home Minister, Amit Shah announced five new districts including Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang. While Zanskar and Drass are being carved out of the Kargil district, Sham, Nubra and Changthang have been carved out of the Leh district. Ladakh will now have seven districts for a population of 274,289.
This step by the Union government was welcomed by local people as a fulfilment of a long-standing demand, these groups are proceeding with their planned march. “The foot march will start from Leh, with KDA representatives set to join the peaceful demonstration after 10-15 days,” said a KDA member.
Organisers of the Delhi Chalo Yatra have announced that participants will walk through various towns and villages, spreading their message and inviting local citizens to join.
The Yatra kicked off with an inaugural ceremony at NDS Park, where prominent leaders and activists addressed the crowd. The first day saw participants marching toward key locations, engaging with local communities, and highlighting the core issues that prompted this mobilisation.
The PadYatra was organised to raise awareness and push for action on pressing issues, including social justice, economic reforms, and environmental sustainability. The organisers stress that the march is a peaceful initiative aimed at drawing attention to these critical issues and ensuring that the people’s voices are heard in the corridors of power.
Safety and logistical arrangements for the marchers include provisions for medical assistance, food, and rest areas along the route. Local authorities have cooperated to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, with necessary permissions and traffic management plans in place.
The ‘Delhi Chalo Yatra’ is expected to gain momentum in the coming days, with thousands anticipated to join as the march progresses towards its final destination in the capital. Participants, united by a common cause, hope to make their voices heard in Delhi, urging policymakers to address their demands and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
As the date approaches, excitement and anticipation are building among participants and supporters, who are determined to make this Padayatra a memorable and impactful event for change.
Earlier, On May 10, after 66 days of protests, demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, the protestors suspended their “climate fast” for the upcoming polls on May 20. The protestors plan to continue their hunger strike, after a new government is formed in early June, to bring attention to their demand for legislation to protect Ladakh’s environment and culture.