Hindu Editorial Snapshot – 04 June – 2025
Act north: On the needs of Ladakh
On June 3, 2025, the Indian government announced measures to address the concerns of the people of Ladakh regarding language, culture, and land, following the region’s bifurcation from Jammu and Kashmir and the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The new policies include up to 85% reservation in government jobs for indigenous people, a 15-year domicile rule from 2019, one-third reservation for women in hill councils, and the recognition of five official languages. However, these steps fall short of the long-standing demands from Ladakh’s civil society, which include full Statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for tribal protections, a second Lok Sabha seat, and a public service commission. Despite a population of 2.74 lakh, none of Ladakh’s 1,275 gazetted posts have been filled since it became a Union Territory. Protests driven by unemployment and identity concerns led to the formation of a high-powered committee in 2023 under Minister Nityanand Rai. Given Ladakh’s strategic location near Pakistan and China, and the possibility of coordinated threats, the passage urges the central government to heed the region’s sentiments seriously.
War and talks: On Russia and Ukraine
As of June 1, 2025, the Russia-Ukraine war has entered a new and intensified phase, characterized by bold military offensives and renewed direct negotiations. Ukraine launched a significant drone attack deep inside Russian territory, reportedly destroying strategic bombers at multiple airfields—though these claims remain unverified. Russia confirmed damage at five airfields and retaliated with a widespread missile and drone assault across Ukraine, including a deadly strike on a training base.Despite rising hostilities, both sides proceeded with peace talks in Istanbul, agreeing to a prisoner exchange and scheduling further discussions. Now forty months into the conflict, both Russia and Ukraine show signs of fatigue. Ukraine, unable to reclaim major lost territories since 2022, is compensating with targeted drone attacks, while struggling with weakened air defences, a manpower shortage, and doubts over continued U.S. support under President Trump. Russia is regaining territory and gaining battlefield momentum, particularly in the Sumy region, but faces difficulty stopping Ukrainian strikes on critical infrastructure.As the war drags on, the human and strategic toll grows. Diplomatic progress remains limited, though Trump’s efforts to broker peace continue. A lasting resolution will require addressing Russia’s security concerns and meeting Ukraine’s demand for credible security guarantees, with the U.S. playing a key mediating role in pursuing a durable ceasefire.
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