‘Do not weaken Ladakh’s voice’: Former LBA leaders back MHA talks, oppose protests

LEH: Former MLA Leh and former President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Tsering Samphel and former Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh and former LBA General Secretary Rigzin Spalbar have appealed for unity, trust and restraint within the Buddhist community, cautioning that internal misunderstandings should not undermine Ladakh’s ongoing dialogue with the Government of India.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the two former LBA leaders said they were “deeply concerned” over what they described as recent misunderstandings and erosion of trust among the top leadership of the Buddhist community at a critical juncture for Ladakh.

They said they had held discussions with revered spiritual leaders, including His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche and His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche, besides other elders, who had expressed concern over the prevailing situation. Following the deliberations, they said, they considered it their “moral duty” to make an appeal for unity and wisdom.

On the September 9 talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Samphel and Spalbar said they fully supported the consensus reached by all parties at Leh and subsequently signed with the Government of India. They appealed to all concerned to refrain from making statements or taking actions that could “vitiate the atmosphere and derail the talks”.

 “The objective already agreed upon and signed must not be allowed to fail due to any confusion,” they said, stressing the need to carry forward the dialogue process.

Welcoming the notification for constitution of LAHDCs in all seven districts of Ladakh, the former LBA leaders urged the UT Administration and the Government of India to initiate immediate groundwork for holding elections at the earliest. They said elections were necessary to fulfil the “just, legitimate and democratic aspirations” of the people.

On the leadership issue within the LBA, the duo extended support to the stand taken by former MP and former Apex Body Leh chairman Thupstan Chhewang, stating that it strengthened the leadership of Tsering Dorje Lakrook as President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association. At the same time, they appealed to both leaders to establish direct communication, avoid intermediaries and work together in the larger interest of the Buddhist community.

The former LBA leaders also came out against holding any padayatra or protest in Leh while formal talks with the MHA are underway. They argued that such actions, at this stage, could weaken Ladakh’s collective negotiating strength.

They said the “satisfactory” sixth meeting with the MHA in New Delhi should be followed with sincerity so that the process reaches its logical conclusion.

Samphel and Spalbar further appealed to the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance leadership to adhere strictly to the agreement reached on May 22 and subsequently signed at Leh, maintaining that the agreed path should be followed to achieve the identified objectives.

“Ladakh’s struggle has always been guided by non-violence, wisdom and unity. Let us not lose this at the final hour,” the statement said.

The appeal comes amid continuing political discussions within Ladakh over the outcome of the latest round of MHA talks, the implementation of safeguards sought by the region and differences over the approach to be adopted while negotiations with the Centre remain underway.