LADAKH: POLICY REQUIREMENTS OF A HISTORICAL AND UNIQUE DEMOGRAPHIC REGION OF BHARAT

Abstract

Ladakh is the most strategically significant and sensitive region of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir. Since the early 1930s, it has developed distinct political aspirations that set it apart from other regions. This paper explores the historical roots of these unique aspirations in Ladakh. Historically, Jammu has advocated for greater autonomy from Kashmir’s influence and sought constitutional parity with the rest of India. However, the voices from Ladakh, under the leadership of Kushak Bakula Rinpoche and others, remained largely unheard and unrecognized. Over time, continued interventions from Kashmir deepened divides within Ladakh, particularly between the regions of Leh and Kargil. This study examines these historical aspirations and the lasting fault lines they created.