LEH: With a resolution to fight unitedly for ‘UT status with Legislature’ for Ladakh, thousands of people took part in a mega rally, taken out in Leh on Wednesday in support of Ladakh’s long pending, while all commercial establishments remained shut for half-day. The rally, organised by Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Leh with support from Muslim Coordination Committee Leh, Christian community and all political organisations based in Leh, was taken out from Indira Chowk, Leh Bazaar to Leh Polo Ground and was attended by leaders of different religious and political organisations of Leh.
While addressing gathering on Leh Polo Ground, President LBA, Tsewang Thinles said that Ladakhis have contributed immensely to the nation by guarding on borders during all difficult times. He alleged that despite such contributions, Ladakh has always been ignored by the successive Kashmir-centric Governments.
“No decision on Kashmir can be taken without taking Ladakhis into confidence,” Thinles asserted. Stating that declaring Ladakh as a UT will prosper every Ladakhi equally, Thinles said that in Leh, Buddhist community assured its full cooperation and support to minorities and it would be soon done in shape of a written document. “We will hold talks with Kargil once or twice to see if they too are interested in demanding UT for the region,” President LBA added.
Representative Muslim Coordination Committee Leh and President Anjuman Immamia Ashraf Ali Barcha said that the demand of ‘UT status for Ladakh’ is not a new one as it has been there for decades.
“We are demanding UT status because Ladakh has its own culture, history and language and the demand is well within the ambit of the constitution of India,” he added. He reminded Ladakhis that the grant of LAHDC was an interim measure while the main goal is achieving UT status for the region. Discussions can be held on the issue as to how ‘voiceless ones’ and ‘minorities’ will be taken care of, once Ladakh gets UT status. Ashraf Ali Barcha asked public not to pay heed to rumours, that are being spread to destabilise harmony in the society.
President Christian Association Leh, Dechan Chamga said that UT status is quite possible for Ladakh as there are already seven Union Territories in India. Once Ladakh becomes a UT, Ladakh’s own legislatures will bring legislation in the local context, he added. On behalf of Christian Association, Dechen Chamga expressed gratitude towards the majority community for always taking along the minorities.
President Ladakh Gonpa Association Gelong Shatup Chamba also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, while presenting welcome speech, Vice President LBA, P T Kunzang said that the newly created Divisional status for Ladakh should be meaningful and under no circumstances it should undermine LAHDC’s authority.
Vice President LBA, Rinchen Namgyal conducted the stage proceedings while President LBA (Youth Wing), Konchok Ishey presented formal vote of thanks
Later, a memorandum jointly signed by President LBA , President Ladakh Gonpa Association, President Anjuman – Mon – Ul- Islam, President Anjuman Immamia, President Christian Association, President BJP Leh, President Congress Leh, President NC Leh and President PDP Leh was forwarded to the Governor through the Deputy Commissioner Leh demanding ‘UT status with Legislature for Ladakh.
