There is a refrain among policy makers and not without good reason that the gory episode in Ladakh was orchestrated by a section of local elements and supported by external hands.
But one thing is certain; the Ladakhis are demanding that the entire Ladakh region to be declared a "tribal area". And they want that the paper work is completed so that its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the constitution for local autonomy is ensured.
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The protesters and various organisations believe this measure will also ensure cultural safeguards.
The 6th schedule offers a win-win situations for tribal areas and the people. The best example to strengthen this argument is that when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam and made a separate state -- the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills retained their Sixth Schedule status.
Some policy makers and Sarkari analysts now believe that -- all the hill districts of Manipur, falling under the “hill areas” as determined by a presidential notification of June 20, 1972, have about 95% tribal population.
So, they are "qualified" to be declared as tribal areas and under the Sixth Schedule. Of course this formula may save the situation in Manipur and bring both Kukis and Meiteis back in the primary business of development of the state.
Late George Fernandes used to say that the 6th Schedule of the Constitution had the power of a 'quick fix'. It would give tribal land and the people due protection and also ensure that no state is "divided" due to allegations of discrimination.
The following list and period (timing) mentioned can only make our argument more convincing --
1 Bodoland Territorial Council Assam Kokrajhar 2003
2 North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Assam Haflong 1951
3 Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Assam Diphu 1952
4 Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Meghalaya Tura 1973
5 Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council Meghalaya Jowai 1973
6 Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Meghalaya Shillong 1973
7 Chakma Autonomous District Council Mizoram Kamalanagar 1972
8 Lai Autonomous District Council Mizoram Lawngtlai 1972
9 Mara Autonomous District Council Mizoram Siaha 1972
10. Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, Tripura Khumulwng 1982
Those in the know of things say in the context of Manipur; pushing the 6th schedule demand will be a blessing in the sense that it would not lead to the division of Manipur.
Indeed, New Delhi is aware that demand for a new state for Kuki and Zo people is only a recent phenomenon.
Prior to May 2023 - when ethnic clashes between Kukis and Meiteis started - this Sixth schedule was the demand of the Kuki-Zo people as well.
Needless to add, 'territorial integrity' of the state of Manipur is highly emotive issue of the Meiteis and thus they were even opposed to the demand.
Notably, the erstwhile Congress Govt in Manipur under Ibobi Singh had earlier agreed to the sixth schedule plea with ‘local adjustments’.
There are a few other elements in the debate.
Congress leaders say in 2017; to oust Congress from power in Manipur, the BJP had allegedly pandered to many 'extremist outfits' from all three major communities -- Kukis, Meiteis and Nagas.
Hence, the allegation is now the Lotus party is unable to wriggle out of this "chakravyuh" . One social media user Z K Sumi in Nagaland said - "Such shady deals were more with the Kukis".
Politics is certainly not like 'charity' works of Ram Krishna Mission.
While we talk on these - one point should be kept in mind is that Manipur has its own system of Autonomous District Councils, established by The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971, which grants "self-governance powers" to the hill areas.
ends
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