Srinagar, Concerns have been raised by prominent groups in Ladakh over the regional administration’s new industrial policy. The People’s Movement for the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh has criticized the Ladakh Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2023, asserting that it neglects local input and endangers the environmentally sensitive region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the People’s Movement for the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, which champions greater autonomy for the region, claims that the policy overlooks the autonomous hill councils and could expose Ladakh to ecological and cultural risks due to potential industrial expansion.

During a meeting held by Apex Body Leh, which includes representatives from various social, religious, and political factions, members deliberated over the policy. The group emphasized the need to amend the Ladakh Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2023 to reflect the wishes of Ladakh’s inhabitants and planned to submit their proposals for modifications to the local administration by November 9, 2023.

Mukhtar Hussain, a leader of the youth wing of the Congress party, emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in industrial policymaking to ensure the protection of Ladakh’s interests, according to a post on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Adding to the dissent, Sajjad Kargili of the Kargil Democratic Alliance voiced his apprehension about the environmental and cultural impact of the new policy. He argued that the policy’s formulation without local consent disregards democratic principles and continues to marginalize the people of Ladakh.

The statement by Kargili also highlighted the urgency for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) of Leh and Kargil to stand in solidarity against what he perceives as an antagonistic policy to the local populace.

Further action by the apex body in Leh includes a tour to educate the community on their agenda, which advocates for constitutional safeguards under the 6th Schedule for Ladakh.

The introduction of the controversial policy is the latest development since the revocation of Article 370, which has ignited a series of debates on governance and local rights in the region.