Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Nov 22: A week after Shia community of Leh staged strong protest demanding allotment of land for establishment of an Idgah in Leh, the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) delegation called on Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) LAHDC Leh, Dr Sonam Dawa for allotment of land to different religious communities in proportion to their share of the population.
In a memorandum addressed to Hill Council Chairman and Deputy Commissioner Leh, LBA said that they have no objection if the Government considers allotment of land to religious communities but it may be kept in mind that Buddhist community, being majority and 90 percent of the total population, must get its due share and more than what may be allocated to the other religious communities. It added that LBA has been repeatedly requesting authorities for many years about the problems being faced by Buddhist devotees due to space constraints in the Chokhang Vihara.
The letter further reads that with increase in population and more and more teachings being organized by eminent Rinpoches and different religious societies, the Chokhang Vihara has become small to accommodate the large number of devotees attending teachings. Most of the teachings are organized during the winter months when devotees have to be accommodated inside the Monastery and space is a serious constraint, LBA explains adding that the organizing was wishing to construct a large teaching place within the town as a replica to the Chokhang Vihara.
Similarly, Ladakh Gonpa Association delegation, led by its president Shatup Chamba also called on the CEC for allotment of land to different communities as per their share of population. “We are not opposing allotment of land to other religious communities, but at the time of such allotment, the Ladakh Gonpa Association may also be allotted suitable land around Leh on which we may be able to construct a multipurpose hall for organizing seminars and annual pujas,” reads the memorandum submitted to the CEC.
Last week, Shia community supported by Sunni and Nurbaksh communities, had staged a protest march alleging that allotment of land in favour of the community was pending for several years.
According to CEC Dr Dawa, LAHDC will do justice with every community according to their needs while allotting land.
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