Jammu and Kashmir Protests: Congress Demands Statehood Restoration and Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule Inclusion
Congress leaders and supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar on July 23, 2025, in the center of New Delhi, in a forceful demonstration calling for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule and the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The Hindu and Economic Times extensively reported on this daring demonstration, which highlights a pivotal point in India’s political history and rekindles discussions about regional autonomy and governance. What is the motivation behind this movement, and could it change how Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh develop in the future?
The Congress party’s protest is a direct reaction to the uncertainty that has persisted since the Article 370 special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked in 2019. Since the area was divided into two Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh), many citizens and political figures have called for the restoration of full statehood in order to reestablish local government and legislative authority. In order to solve the region’s particular socioeconomic problems and guarantee democratic representation, Jantar Mantar Congress leaders vehemently maintained that statehood is not only a political demand but also a necessity.
Equally significant is the call for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, which would grant it greater autonomy through autonomous district councils, protecting its cultural identity and land rights. Ladakh’s strategic importance, coupled with its distinct tribal demographics, makes this demand a focal point for activists and policymakers alike. The protest highlights growing concerns over centralized control and the need for tailored governance models that respect regional diversity.
With the Monsoon Session of Parliament in full swing and other national events, such as Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, making headlines, this protest takes place in the midst of a contentious political environment. The purpose of the Congress’s action at Jantar Mantar is to exert pressure on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which controls the central government, to resolve these long-standing issues. According to political analysts, this might strengthen opposition unity and have an impact on coalition dynamics and future elections.
This protest is a call for justice and empowerment for the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, and it goes beyond a simple political statement. Important questions are raised by the calls for statehood and Sixth Schedule status: Will the government respond to these demands, or will tensions worsen? The outcome of this movement, which the country is watching, has the potential to redefine center-state relations and establish a precedent for regional autonomy throughout India. Watch this developing story as Congress and its allies continue to challenge the status quo and demand change in one of India’s most delicate areas.
