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Ladakh Buddhists Seek Senior Leaders’ Inclusion Before Safeguards Talks
Some Buddhist citizens in Ladakh want two senior leaders included in important talks.
The talks on September 9 will work on a plan to protect Ladakh’s interests.
The two leaders are former MP Thupstan Chhewang and former council chief Tashi Gyaltson.
The citizens wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah about their concern.
They said Chhewang has taken part in earlier discussions since 2020.
They also said Gyaltson would add political representation because he is a senior BJP leader.
They worry that leaving both men out could divide Buddhists.
They believe including them would help more people trust and support the final agreement.
Buddhist citizens have asked Home Minister Amit Shah to include Thupstan Chhewang and Tashi Gyaltson in the September 9 Ladakh talks.
The talks are intended to finalise a draft on safeguards for Ladakh.
The request follows a consensus involving the Government of India, Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Association.
The Buddhist leaders said excluding Chhewang and Gyaltson could deepen divisions and weaken confidence in the agreement.
They argued that both leaders bring experience, continuity and broader political representation to the negotiations.
- Who
- Concerned Buddhist citizens, Thupstan Chhewang, Tashi Gyaltson, the Government of India, Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Association are involved.
- What
- Buddhist leaders are seeking Chhewang’s and Gyaltson’s inclusion in talks to finalise safeguards for Ladakh.
- Where
- The consensus was signed at Leh, and the talks concern Ladakh.
- When
- The talks are scheduled for September 9; the year is not specified.
- Why
- The Buddhist group says the two leaders’ inclusion would improve continuity, political inclusivity, community confidence and the legitimacy of the final agreement.
Key facts
- Talk date
- September 9
- Subject
- Finalising a draft on safeguards for Ladakh
- Letter recipient
- Home Minister Amit Shah
- Requested participants
- Former MP Thupstan Chhewang and former CEC Tashi Gyaltson
- Existing consensus
- Signed by the Government of India, Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Association
- Main concern
- Excluding the two leaders could deepen divisions among Buddhists and raise questions about the agreement’s legitimacy
- Previous discussions
- The Buddhist group said Chhewang has participated in all rounds of the High Powered Committee talks and that both leaders know what has been discussed since 2020
Quotes
Buddhist leaders
Prominent Buddhist leaders who wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah
“Confusion prevails regarding the participation of Thupstan Chhewang, former MP from Ladakh, and Tashi Gyaltson, ex-CEC of LAHDC Leh, in the forthcoming talks. This is perceived as an attempt to divide Buddhists and weaken Buddhist interests at a crucial juncture”
thestatesman.com
“Both leaders command wide respect in the Buddhist heartland. Their exclusion will deepen division among Buddhists and the legitimacy of any final agreement may be questioned. Their inclusion will ensure all stakeholders own the agreement.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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