HIAL Land Cancellation Sparks Outrage in Ladakh
Land Cancellation Sparks Outrage
A move by the Ladakh administration, which rescinded the land given to the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL) to Sonam Wangchuk has caused a lot of rage. It is not only an administrative move but also considered a politically calculated move to quash voices that are calling out to Ladakh statehood and constitutional protection. The non-utilization of land and absence of a recognized university are its reasons as cited by the administration. But the larger public views it as an act of suppression.
HIAL’s Role in Education
Educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk explained that HIAL would not be a traditional university. But a non-profit organization under Section 8 applies as an alternative learning institute. It is now educating around 400 students under its system. The administration is not merely assaulting an institution but also the educational rights of the Kashmiri and Ladakhi youth by attacking HIAL. Wangchuk has treated the cancellation as an attack on education and innovation.
Political Undercurrents
Wangchuk was not the only one subject to criticism. The decision was heavily criticized by major political bodies in the state of Ladakh including Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
These two media are a broad spectrum of political and religious factions. They both have been adamant in seeking statehood of Ladakh.
In particular, they demand its incorporation under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, the fact that the cancellation was done at this period implies that it is directly connected with the suppression of their movement.
Post-370 Ladakh Politics
Since August 5, 2019, Ladakh has been directly governed by the Union Territory since the abrogated Article 370. This split off Jammu and Kashmir was accompanied with development and empowerment promises. Rather, Ladakhis senses politically marginalized. Agitation of constitutional protections and statehood have been an unending thing. Government non-cooperation in taking these demands seriously has caused a lot of mistrust. Another step to undermining local leadership is being interpreted as targeting HIAL.
Suppression of Local Leadership
Popular leaders of Ladakh appear to be perceived by the Indian government as a threat. Targeting educational institutions, community groups and activists is a trend that has already been experienced in Kashmir. Kashmiri leaders were marginalized in a systematic manner even when they commanded popular view. In Ladakh the same template is now being implemented. This is not a way of fortifying democracy. Rather, it drives away the very individuals whose involvement is important in the name of stability.
National and Regional Reactions
Not only has the cancellation attracted criticism in Ladakh but also among mainstream Kashmiri politicians. PDP leader Waheed Para said the ruling was an attack on education, innovation and youth expectations. He indicated that with the Mehbooba Mufti government HIAL was intended to be a university to the whole Himalayan region. To prevent its increase is a loss to Ladakh but to the bigger community of the mountains.
HIAL as a Symbol
To the minds of many Ladakhis HIAL is not a school. It is another model of education based on regional culture, environment and needs. The vision of Wangchuk is known internationally. Vetoing its land allocation is not merely an administrative thing.
It is symbolic assault on the pride and identity of Ladakh. It is interpreted by many as the lack of desire by the government to make a local initiative grow to be a world class institution.
Human Rights Concerns
The relocation also casts grave doubts regarding the democratic status of India. Already, international bodies such as the UNHRC and Amnesty International have condemned the policy of India in Kashmir. Almost the same is being experienced now in Ladakh. The lack of concern of international obligations and human rights norms is the case. Government seems to have favored control over dialogue and suppression over accommodation.
Political Motivation Behind Timing
This cancellation occurred when Ladakhi leaders are stepping up their demand for democratic protection. It is not much like an administrative correction and more like a political strike. The government is threatening the representatives of the statehood and constitutional rights by sabotaging Wangchuk to send the message that these people will not go without penalty. This breeds apprehension that the BJP government headed by Modi is willfully setting education and social institutions on fire in a bid to silence democratic voices in the area.
The Bigger Picture
This land dispute of HIAL shows a bigger crisis in Ladakh. Individuals are becoming more and more marginalized in decision making. Confidence in New Delhi has never been lower than this year. The administration is destroying instead of developing local talent and institutions. This kind of strategy can be followed to achieve a temporary silence but not to solve the discontent present. The outrage caused by the cancellation of HIAL demonstrates that citizens are not ready to deprive them of their identity and their rights silently.
The revocation of land allotment of HIAL is not a deal of property or documentation. It is a political declaration that has wide reaching implications. It undermines education, innovation and youth aspirations. It undermines the spirit of democracy in the sense that it attacks a well-known personality such as Sonam Wangchuk. And most of all it reveals how insecure a government can be when it regards the demands of its own people as a threat. To Ladakhis, the struggle of statehood and protection has become more intense. And the fight of HIAL will continue to be a protest repression.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.
