Tsewang Rigzin
21rigzinhimalaya@gmail.com
In the last one week, Leh has witnessed many twists and turns in Ladakh’s political scenario after the controversy surrounding Leh Apex Body chairman Thupstan Chhewang came into the public domain through developments within the Leh Apex Body itself.
Thupstan Chhewang had actually submitted his resignation from the Leh Apex Body last year on certain grounds, but the resignation was never accepted by Leh Apex Body. Since then, he had remained somewhat inactive, while the Apex Body was largely being steered and practically led by co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook.
When the issue of the alleged privatisation of the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) was brought before Leh Apex Body for discussion, Thupstan Chhewang had reportedly opposed taking it up on the grounds that the matter was outside Leh Apex Body’s purview and political in nature.
Members of the Leh Apex Body later deliberated on the matter and felt that since Thupstan Chhewang had not been active in the organisation’s affairs over the past several months, and since there were also perceived contradictions between some of his views and Ladakh’s demands, including the four-point agenda, it was appropriate to formally accept his resignation. However, the members requested Chhewang to continue as a member of the Leh Apex Body and continue to advise the organisation.
Days after the resignation was accepted, Thupstan Chhewang spoke to the media, alleging that he had never been consulted before his resignation was accepted, or before he was effectively removed from the Leh Apex Body, as he claimed. He also questioned how Leh Apex Body could remove him, pointing out that he was one of its five founding members. At the same time, he said that this was perhaps a moment for introspection regarding how the Leh Apex Body should move forward in the future.
Interestingly, after the acceptance of his resignation became public, many leaders and supporters of the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, along with members of the newly formed Voice of Buddhist Ladakh (VBL), became active in extending support to him and showed solidarity with Chhewang.
In response to Thupstan Chhewang’s media statement, the Apex Body claimed that many of those now supporting him were the same people who had earlier criticised and defamed him when he was actively associated with Ladakh’s movement, leading Leh Apex Body, and questioning the government for the promises made for the people of Ladakh.
In the meantime, the son of martyr Tsewang Tharchin released a video that went viral on social media, creating confusion and controversy. In the video, he accused Leh Apex Body of misleading the public and functioning as an anti-Buddhist organisation.
The video of the minor boy was widely shared on social media by various individuals and organisations who are opposed to the Apex Body’s demands.
In response, the late Tsewang Tharchin’s father, Sub Maj Stanzin Namgail, issued a statement through media saying that his grandson was being politically misused by vested interests and groups. He stated that he would even go to the extent of registering an FIR against those allegedly exploiting the innocent minor for their own political purposes.
At the same time, Namgail reminded people that martyrs had sacrificed their lives for the demands of Sixth Schedule status and statehood. He stated that he had always supported the Apex Body and the Ladakh Buddhist Association, and therefore appealed to the people to continue supporting the Apex Body and the LBA while ensuring that the core demands are not abandoned.
After all the ups and downs that unfolded within the Leh Apex Body over the last few days, many people in Ladakh, especially those concerned about Ladakh’s future and the unity of the Buddhist-majority region, have been expressing deep concern over the growing lack of unity and the exchange of accusations and counter-accusations between Apex Body leaders and Thupstan Chhewang.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has called a meeting of the subcommittee on Ladakh issues on the 22nd of this month, and it will be interesting to see whether the meeting is held as scheduled in view of the controversy that erupted within the Leh Apex Body following the acceptance of the resignation of its chairman, Thupstan Chhewang.
It is pertinent to mention here that Leh Apex Body had earlier requested the Home Minister that a meeting of the High-Powered Committee be convened instead of a sub-committee meeting. According to Apex Body co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook, a sub-committee meeting would not carry the same importance or authority as a meeting of the High-Powered Committee in addressing Ladakh’s core political demands and concerns.
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