Impact of state indifference on ethnolinguistic vitality: A study on Baltis of Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir.

The article focuses on the ethnolinguistic vitality of the Baltis of Kargil in the Ladakh division of the former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state in India, examining the impact of state indifference on their language and identity. Using the cultural autonomy model, the study finds that while the Baltis maintain strong social proximity and a moderately strong collective identity, they experience weak institutional control and very weak ideological legitimacy, reflected in a significant decline in their official population figures over recent decades. Despite robust use of the Balti language within families and communities, limited representation in mass media and government services, along with political and social marginalization, have undermined their vitality. The study highlights concerns that official census classifications and political factors have contributed to the diminishing recognition of Baltis, potentially amounting to a form of linguistic and ethnic marginalization.