Ladakh talks face representation question as Buddhist citizens seek Chhewang, Gyaltson’s inclusion
Ahead of the September 9 negotiations, Buddhist citizens have flagged a “representation imbalance” in Ladakh’s talks with the Centre, seeking the inclusion of former MP Thupstan Chhewang and ex-CEC Tashi Gyaltson.
In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, some prominent Buddhist leaders while welcoming the “historic consensus” signed between Government of India, Apex Body Leh and Kargil Democratic Association (KDA) at Leh and the fixation of 9 September for finalizing the draft, wish to bring to your urgent notice a grave concern that has arisen amongst Buddhists on the eve of the talks.
They have sought Shah’s intervention for including the two leaders in the talks so as to restore confidence of the Buddhist community.
“Confusion prevails regarding the participation of Thupstan Chhewang, former MP Ladakh and Tashi Gyaltson, ex-CEC, LAHDC Leh in the forthcoming talks. This is perceived as an attempt to divide Buddhists and weaken Buddhist interests at a crucial juncture”, they wrote to Shah.
They strongly urged inclusion of Thuptsan Chhewang, a two-time MP and “most respected senior-most leader and founder chairman of Apex Body Leh”. He has participated in all rounds of the High Powered Committee talks. His presence is indispensable to ensure continuity and that larger interests of Ladakh, especially of Buddhists, are not compromised, they said.
They have stressed that participation of Tashi Gyaltson, former CEC of LAHDC Leh and a senior BJP leader will ensure “political inclusivity”.
When Haji Asgar Karbalai of Congress and Sajjad Kargili of National Conference are part of the talks from Kargil, there is no representation of BJP from Ladakh. This creates an imbalance and perception of partisanship, the Buddhist group has claimed.
“Both leaders command wide respect in Buddhist heartland. Their exclusion will deepen division among Buddhists and the legitimacy of any final agreement may be questioned. Their inclusion will ensure the agreement is owned by all stakeholders”.
The Buddhist leaders pointed out “They possess full knowledge of what was discussed since 2020 on safeguards to Ladakh. Any final draft needs their experience for correct interpretation and for smooth implementation on ground”.