Unity Across Regions: Ladakh And Jammu Join Hands For Environmental Justice

Aman Zutshi

JAMMU: In a powerful display of solidarity, people from the regions of Ladakh and Jammu came together last week to voice their concerns over the interlinked threats of war, corporate land grab, and unsustainable development practices.

Recent events have highlighted the urgency of this cause. In January 2024, Ladakhi Changpa graziers were confronted by Chinese troops who had illegally entered Indian territory, sparking fears of escalating tensions.

Meanwhile, corporations have been accused by Ladakhis of encroaching on traditional grazing pastures, posing a direct threat to the livelihoods and cultural heritage of nomadic communities.

Amidst these challenges, environmental activists from both regions took to the streets, using art and music as powerful mediums of protest.

In Jammu’s Bahu Plaza, youth volunteers from ‘Climate Front Jammu’ assembled alongside Ladakhi students, creating vibrant graffiti and chanting slogans that resonate across the Himalayan region: “Our Pride Ladakh, Our Identity Himalaya,” “What Do We Want Climate Justice? When Do We Want it? Now,” and “India, Ladakh, J&K, Modi, Shah Ki Maan Ki Baat-Climate Justice, Climate Justice.”

The movement has also gained momentum through the voices of young artists like rapper Kartik Jandial, whose lyrics demand urgent action to protect the Raika Forest from deforestation, and Padma Ladoll, considered the region’s first woman rapper, whose powerful verses call for the inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

This unity across borders is a testament to the shared understanding that the threats of war, corporate greed, and environmental degradation are intrinsically linked.

As one participant aptly stated, “If the Himalaya faces danger, then the whole world will face it.” By coming together, the people of Ladakh and Jammu are sending a powerful message: their land, their culture, and their future are inextricably intertwined, and they will not remain silent in the face of these mounting challenges.

Most participants did not only speak about Ladakh but linked the climate change and environment issues to the Himalayan belt while creating parallels between land sinking in Joshimath and the Doda region. They also spoke about local issues like pollution in Tawi river, and the depleting Raika Forest.

One of them said, that the issue of climate change is very grim and requires unity at a global scale. He invoked Greta Thunberg, the globally popular woman climate activist, who was detained by Dutch authorities in the Netherlands for agitating against concessions being given to fossil fuel industries there.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event at Bahu Plaza, one of the participants from Kargil, Mehak Fatima, thanked the Climate Front Jammu who organized the solidarity event.

“All of you know that Ladakh is demanding 6th schedule and statehood these days, and the government is neglecting our demands. Our native leaders were on a hunger strike, and it is continuing. We are supporting and have come here today to express our gratitude to them.”

Stanzin from Ladakh, who is a student in Jammu, expressed, said, “We have come here to support the issues raised by Sonam Wangchuk. A climate crisis is unfolding at the local, country, and world level, underscoring the need for unity.”

One of the Ladakhi participants apprised that several youth, who volunteered for the sit-in and were also leading the agitation were detained from the protest site by the local police. They were asked to sign a bond, but when they disagreed, they were later compelled to sign the non-participation protest bond by the police authorities.

“It is very sad to see that people are being subjected to atrocities; we will continue our hunger strike peacefully. We appeal to the UT administration and police not to suppress protestors,” he added.

“We are targeted in Ladakh if we speak against the incumbent dispensation, and if we don’t comply with the local government, then our family members get threats. One of my friends who works as an Assistant Professor posted in Leh was transferred to Drass as punishment because he was speaking against the status quo. They are trying every tool to suppress the voice of people so that the masses can’t speak,” another Ladakhi student informed anonymously on a voice recording.

Anmol Ohri, the Founder of “Climate Front Jammu,” who organized the event said that he fully supports Ladakh region’s demand for the sixth schedule.

“We are peacefully using art to express dissatisfaction because Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh were made several promises after Article 370 revocation. Have all those promises been fulfilled? No.”

Calling Ladakhis as inspiring, he said that Ladakh has learned from their mistakes and understands the need to come together, and I hope Jammu and Kashmir will also work cohesively despite differences to protect our environment and seeking constitutional safeguards.

“Jammu and Kashmir’s environment is fragile, and we also have glaciers; we should not forget this. We are pressing for Ladakh today, but I am also advocating for the Himalayas as they are in jeopardy,” Ohri said.

He added, “The region provides water to 170 crore people of South Asia. If the Himalaya faces danger, then the whole region will face it, and we, being the residents of the ‘Himalayan’ regions, have to save our land ourselves. It is my request to people to come forward to save our environment as our future relies on it because only jobs can’t fulfill our hunger and thirst.”

“We are today expressing ourselves through street art to show the people of Jammu that we are supporting the Ladakh cause,” said Nirdosh, a member of the environmental group Climate Front Jammu (CFJ).

The protest call ended with a rap performance by a member of Climate Front Jammu (CFJ), Kartik Jandial with his song “Raika Ecocide” – which demands urgent action to stop the deforestation of Raika Forest at Sidhra near the Jammu city. Through his performance, he articulated the impact of Raika Forest depletion.

Let Me Grab Your Attention to Jammu Key Lungs

 Jungle Ek Lootah, Jammu Ki Shaan
Jammu Key Log Lete Hain Saans, Jungle Barbaad Aur Ab Roz Tu Khaans
Raika Hai Naam Iska Sidhra Key Paas, Tawi Me Jaan Toh Raika Me Jaan
Bejaan Hai Log Jo Samjhe Na Baat, Kudrat Kay Saath Aur Vikas Kay Khilaaf
Let’s Talk about Jammu Ka Ek Lutta Jungle

Mission Mangal Kamyaab, Dharti Par Chal Raha Dangal
Kudrat Aur Unn Daanvo Key Beech

Jinki Sooch Kala Saaya

aur getting lost in the jungle

English translation:

Let me grab your attention to the Lungs of Jammu

A jungle is looted, is looted its pride

Folks of Jammu breathe, Jungle destroyed and now they gasp

Raika is the name, near Sidhra

If there’s life in Raika, there’s life in Jammu

Lifeless are people who won’t understand

Against the laws of nature and against progress

Let’s talk about this plunder of Jammu’s forest

Mission Mangal may be a success but on earth we are caught

In a fight between nature and those claims

Their thoughts are like dark shadows

And getting lost in the jungle

The rap song “6th Schedule” by Padma Ladoll, the region’s first woman rapper was also played. The participants joined in the chorus to her lyrics:

“Ladakh ki mann ki baat sun lo,

ay desh waasiyon…

Chalo bata dun kya hai

Sixth Schedule

do line mein.”

English translation:

Listen to the voice of Ladakh

O country fellows

Let me tell you what is

Sixth Schedule

In Two Lines

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