Behind Ladakh protest, demand for Sixth Schedule: What does it mean?

The major demand of the youth protesting in Ladakh's is that the region be under the protections of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and statehood.

Since before the agitation turned violent in Leh on Wednesday, protesters in Ladakh have been protesting for the central government to grant them protections under the Sixth Schedule, as well as the statehood.

The youth-led protest turned violent as agitators pelted stones and torched the BJP office in Leh. (PTI)

At least four protesters were reported killed by the evening. Follow Ladakh protest live updates The Leh Apex Body's (LAB) youth wing had given a call for a protest and shutdown after two of the people on hunger strike were hospitalised on Tuesday evening.

A fresh round of discussions was scheduled between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, including members of LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), for October 6. Setting of that date unilaterally by the Centre was one of the immediate reasons for Wednesday's protest.

At the heart of the whole agitation, however, is also the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Powers: As per the Sixth Schedule, in an autonomous district with Regional Councils, the District Council shall only have such powers with respect to the areas under the authority of the Regional Council as may be delegated to it by the Regional Council, in addition to the powers conferred on it by this Schedule with respect to such areas. The schedule also defines the powers of the District Councils and Regional Councils to make laws, and the administration of justice in autonomous districts and regions.

It also spells out the conferment of powers under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, on the Regional and District Councils and on certain courts and officers for the trial of certain suits, cases and offences.

Under this Schedule, the Governor has the power to dissolve a district or a regional council on the recommendation of a Commission.

Can the Sixth Schedule be amended?

The Parliament, by law, from time to time, may amend the schedule by way of addition, variation or repeal any of the provisions.

"When the Schedule is so amended, any reference to this Schedule in the Constitution shall be construed as a reference to the amended version," the law states.