Article 370
Ladakh's Democratic Crisis: Hill Council Term Ends Without Election Plans
Oct 31, 2025 08:20 pm CST
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council's term has ended without scheduled elections, eliminating the region's last democratic institution as locals continue fighting for statehood and constitutional protections. Since becoming a Union Territory in 2019, Ladakh has experienced diminishing local governance powers, with recent protests turning violent after the BJP allegedly abandoned promises to implement the Sixth Schedule.
Omar Abdullah Demands Restoration of Special Status in First Major Rally Since Becoming Chief Minister
Oct 31, 2025 12:05 am CST
In his first public rally since taking office as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has renewed calls for restoration of special status under Article 370. Addressing supporters in Handwara, Abdullah instructed the National Conference's newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs to advocate strongly for this issue in parliament, marking a shift from his recent focus on statehood restoration.
Jammu and Kashmir Restores Historic Darbar Move: 150-Year-Old Capital Shifting Tradition Returns
Oct 17, 2025 02:43 am CST
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has officially reinstated the 150-year-old Darbar Move tradition in Jammu and Kashmir, reviving the biannual practice of shifting the capital between Srinagar and Jammu. This historic decision reverses the 2021 suspension implemented after Article 370's abrogation and addresses economic concerns from Jammu's business community who viewed the tradition as essential for regional commerce and cultural harmony.
Supreme Court Hearing on Petition to Restore Jammu and Kashmir's Statehood: Constitutional Mandate and Federal Implications
Oct 10, 2025 01:19 pm CST
The Supreme Court is examining a petition seeking immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as directed by the Constitution Bench in December 2023. Despite the central government's assurance that J&K's Union territory status is temporary, no action has been taken, prompting concerns about violations of India's federal structure. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged all political parties to support a parliamentary bill for statehood restoration, warning that downgrading states sets a dangerous constitutional precedent.
Ladakh Government Announces Protection Measures for Land and Jobs Amid Unrest Following September Violence
Oct 05, 2025 02:43 am CST
Following recent unrest in Ladakh, the government has announced significant confidence-building measures including protection of land, jobs, and demographic character while expressing readiness for dialogue. Officials attributed the September 24 violence to activist Sonam Wangchuk while confirming the release of detained protesters. The situation highlights ongoing tensions since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019, with residents demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards.
Ladakh Statehood Crisis: Government Releases 26 Protesters as Goodwill Gesture Amid Ongoing Tensions
Oct 02, 2025 03:45 pm CST
The Indian government has released 26 protesters detained during recent Ladakh violence as a conciliatory gesture, while regional leaders continue to demand statehood, constitutional safeguards, and the release of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk. The goodwill move comes amid tensions following violent protests that resulted in four deaths and deepening political discord over Ladakh's union territory status established in 2019.
Amit Shah Rejects Maoist Ceasefire Offer: "Surrender Without Conditions, Red Carpet Awaits"
Sep 28, 2025 11:24 pm CST
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has firmly rejected the ceasefire offer from Maoist groups, instead inviting them to surrender unconditionally with a promise of rehabilitation. Speaking at a 'Naxal Mukt Bharat' seminar, Shah criticized Left parties for their ideological support of extremism and confidently predicted India would be free from Naxalism by March 2026. The government's security operations have already shown success in reducing violence across affected regions including Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.
Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under National Security Act Amid Statehood Protests
Sep 26, 2025 08:22 pm CST
Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested under the National Security Act following recent protests in Ladakh. His organization's foreign funding license was revoked as tensions escalate over demands for statehood and constitutional protections. Government officials allege he incited violence that left four dead, while political leaders criticize the central government's handling of Ladakh's governance concerns.
Farooq Abdullah Warns Against Force in Ladakh Following Violent Protests: Calls for Dialogue Over Suppression
Sep 25, 2025 08:44 pm CST
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has cautioned the central government against using force in Ladakh following recent violence that left four dead and 90 injured. The former J&K chief minister attributed the unrest to broken promises after Article 370's abrogation and rejected claims that Congress or activist Sonam Wangchuk instigated the violence, instead urging the government to address underlying issues through dialogue rather than suppression.
From Innovator to Activist: Sonam Wangchuk's Journey from '3 Idiots' Inspiration to Ladakh Protest Leader
Sep 25, 2025 07:28 pm CST
Sonam Wangchuk, the innovative educator who inspired Aamir Khan's character in '3 Idiots' and won the Ramon Magsaysay Award, now faces government scrutiny for his role in Ladakh protests. This article explores his remarkable journey from educational reformer to environmental activist, the foundation of SECMOL, his pioneering Ice Stupa project, and his current campaign for Ladakh's constitutional safeguards amidst escalating tensions with authorities.