Leh, Ladakh – Concerns are mounting within the Buddhist community in Ladakh regarding their representation in ongoing statehood talks with the central government. As the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) continue negotiations, a growing number of Buddhists feel their voices are not being adequately heard.
The most recent round of talks on October 22 included six representatives from the Muslim community and only three Buddhists. This disparity has triggered worries about the inclusivity of the dialogue. Tsering Samphel, president of the Kargil branch of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, has formally requested that Kunzes Dolma, leader of the Association's women's wing, be included as a representative for Kargili Buddhists. Samphel argues that this inclusion would mirror the inclusive approach demonstrated by the Apex Body Leh in selecting its representatives. The Zanskar Buddhist Association and presidents from various Ladakh Buddhist Association chapters in Leh, Karu, Nyoma, Durbuk, Sham, and Kargil have echoed this call for greater representation.
Adding to the complexity, some Buddhist leaders have expressed reservations about the demand for statehood itself. A group of prominent Ladakhi Buddhists, including former members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, have submitted a representation to the Indian government opposing statehood. Instead, they have proposed the formation of an Advisory Council or the appointment of a Political Advisor to the Union Territory's Lieutenant Governor. Furthermore, at least one leader within the Buddhist association has submitted a memorandum advocating for equal community representation in all negotiations.
Dorjey Shallak, a former vice-president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association's youth wing, has urged Buddhists to reconsider their stance on statehood, suggesting that full support should instead be given to the demand for Sixth Schedule listing. Shallak also raised concerns about Ladakh's financial viability as a state, highlighting its heavy reliance on the central government for its budget. He noted that employee salaries alone consume a significant portion of Ladakh's budget, dwarfing its own revenue. He voiced fears that financial constraints could negatively impact developmental projects if statehood is granted.
These internal debates within the Buddhist community highlight the complexities surrounding Ladakh's future. While the ABL and KDA push forward with demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, a significant portion of the Buddhist population seeks greater involvement in the decision-making process and a careful consideration of the potential consequences of statehood.
The push for statehood has seen climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Leh Apex Body begin a fast demanding Ladakh's inclusion under the Constitution's sixth schedule. Wangchuk has argued that development is not enough if the voices of the people are not heard. He points to infrastructure development since Ladakh became a Union Territory but emphasizes that people need a platform to decide what kind of development they want.
With negotiations ongoing, the demand for a stronger Buddhist voice underscores the need for inclusive dialogue and careful consideration of all perspectives to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the region.
