Religious women’s wings extend support to Leh Apex Body
Tsewang Rigzin
LEH, Feb 14: Major political developments unfolded in Leh today over the ongoing demands for Sixth Schedule safeguards and statehood for Ladakh.
The women’s wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) held a meeting followed by a press conference, extending full support to Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) in their demand for inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule and the grant of statehood to the region.
During the press briefing, the women leaders demanded the immediate release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and two other Ladakhis who still remain behind bars in connection with Ladakh’s movement for safeguard. LBA women’s wing also condemned a statement reportedly made by a KDA member, Kunzes Dolma, during the recent High-Powered Committee (HPC) meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to reports, she had rejected the demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, stating that Ladakhis were satisfied with the present Union Territory arrangement. The women’s wing termed the alleged remark unrepresentative of public sentiment.
In a significant show of unity, the women’s wings of various religious organisations in Leh later held a joint press conference, reiterating their collective support to Leh Apex Body for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
Later in the day, Leh Apex Body also addressed the media and rejected reports suggesting that the Centre had turned down Ladakh’s demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule status and was instead proposing a Territorial Council for the region. Leh Apex Body Co-Chairman Chering Dorjay clarified that the idea of a Territorial Council for Ladakh was not discussed during the HPC meeting.
Apex Body further announced that a one-month period beginning from the 18th of this month – coinciding with the holy month of Ramzan and the holy Tangpo month for Buddhists – will be dedicated to those who were killed, injured, or jailed during the movement for Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards.
The Leh Apex Body leaders also condoled the death of KDA Co-Chairman Qamar Ali Akhoon and stood in solidarity with the bereaved family.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
