Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Ladakh Administration Offers Article 371 Safeguards Amid Martyrs’ Day Protests
Ladakh’s administration says it is preparing new constitutional protections for the region.
These protections could cover local land, jobs, culture, the environment and natural resources.
Officials said the plan is being developed under Article 371 of India’s Constitution.
The administration also discussed creating an elected body for the Union Territory.
Some Ladakhi groups want stronger rights and greater local control.
Sonam Wangchuk plans to lead a 20-kilometre walk in Leh on September 24.
The day marks one year since four civilians died during firing on protesters.
Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed because officials are concerned about possible unrest.
The administration and Ladakhi representatives are still discussing the details of the proposed safeguards.
The Ladakh administration said a new Article 371 framework is being developed to protect land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources.
Chief Secretary Asish Kundra said the proposed model would reflect Ladakh’s specific needs and could include direct elections to a Union Territory-level body.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk plans a 20-kilometre walk in Leh on September 24, marking the first anniversary of last year’s protest deaths.
Four civilians were killed and dozens injured in firing on protesters last year, prompting heightened security across Ladakh ahead of the anniversary.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved Leh as the initial sitting place for the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court bench.
- Who
- The Ladakh administration, Chief Secretary Asish Kundra, Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakhi civil-society leaders and the Centre are involved.
- What
- Officials proposed developing an Article 371 framework providing constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, while protests and commemorations are planned.
- When
- The outreach meeting and announcements took place on Tuesday; the Martyrs’ Day events and Wangchuk’s walk are planned for September 24.
- Where
- The developments concern the Union Territory of Ladakh, with the planned walk and commemorations centered in Leh.
- Why
- The administration says safeguards are needed for Ladakh’s land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources; protesters are also marking last year’s deaths and seeking greater rights.
Ladakh Administration and Centre
Ladakhi Rights Campaigners
Constitutional safeguards
Ladakh Administration and Centre
Officials say a new model under Article 371 is being developed to provide safeguards suited to Ladakh’s specific requirements.
Ladakhi Rights Campaigners
Rights campaigners seek constitutional protection covering land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources, while continuing to press for greater rights.
Governance framework
Ladakh Administration and Centre
The administration said direct elections to a proposed Union Territory-level body were among the suggestions under discussion, with further action after consensus.
Ladakhi Rights Campaigners
Ladakhi representatives are seeking an elected governance framework and have continued discussions with the Centre over local decision-making.
September 24 events
Ladakh Administration and Centre
Authorities have deployed police and paramilitary forces to prevent any untoward incident during the anniversary events.
Ladakhi Rights Campaigners
Sonam Wangchuk’s office said September 24 would be observed as Martyrs’ Day to remember the four civilians killed during last year’s protest firing.
- Proposed legal basis
- Article 371 of the Indian Constitution
- Proposed protections
- Land, employment, culture, environment and natural resources
- Planned protest
- Sonam Wangchuk’s 20-kilometre walk in Leh
- Anniversary date
- September 24, marking one year since last year’s firing
- Reported casualties
- Four civilians killed and dozens injured
- Security response
- Police and paramilitary forces deployed across Ladakh
- High Court development
- Leh approved as the initial sitting place for the Union Territory’s High Court bench