Context

• Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist from Ladakh, was detained while leading a group of protesters at the Delhi border.
• Main objective of the protest: Request to the central government to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution:

• The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• It was introduced to protect the cultural, social and economic interests of the tribal communities in these areas.

Autonomous District Council (ADCs):

• Under the Sixth Schedule, tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram are divided into autonomous districts.

These districts have Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).

• The councils are given several powers, such as making laws related to land allocation, use of waterways, and succession to property.
• These councils also have the power to assess and collect land revenue, levy taxes, and grant licenses or leases for the extraction of minerals.
• The councils also have the power to construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, cattle ponds, fisheries, roads, and waterways.
• They also have the power to establish village and district council courts.
• The councils provide protection to tribal groups and safeguard their interests.

 Ladakh

• Ladakh is a part of the high-central Asian plateau, located between the Karakoram and Himalayan Mountain ranges.
• The average elevation of the region is about 3,000 metres (9,843 ft), making it one of the highest plateaus in the world.
• Famous natural sites: Pangong Lake (forms the border between India and China.); Chandra Tal (natural lake); Nubra Valley, Ladakh Desert (cold desert)
• Ancient monasteries: Hemis Gompa Monastery (UNESCO site); Tikse Monastery, Shey Monastery