Sep 26, 2025
“Gen Z’s cry in Ladakh: Statehood, safeguards, and a voice in democracy.”
The Ladakh protests highlight deep-rooted grievances since the region became a Union Territory without a legislature in 2019. Locals demand statehood and Sixth Schedule protections to safeguard jobs, land, and tribal identity, while expressing frustration over centralised governance and unfulfilled promises. The September 2025 violence, led largely by Gen Z youth, reflects a mix of political vacuum, joblessness, and ecological concerns. Moving forward, balancing democratic aspirations with national security and constitutional safeguards remains critical.
