Shutdown, protest rallies in Ladakh over Statehood, Sixth Schedule demands

AI Summary

Hundreds of residents in Ladakh, India held protests and enforced a shutdown demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which would grant tribal protections. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from jail amid the demonstrations, which took place in both Leh and Kargil towns. The protests were organized by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB).

Hundreds of locals marched from Singay Namgyal Chowk up to Leh Polo Ground in Leh town, while protesters held a rally in Kargil town that was attended by hundreds of locals; this came even as activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from jail; the KDA and the LAB had called for the shutdown on March 16 in Ladakh