Samphel, Spalbar urge Ladakh leaders not to derail talks with centre
With Ladakh’s dialogue with the Centre entering a crucial phase, former MLA Tsering Samphel and former LAHDC Leh Chairman Rigzin Spalbar have made an emotional appeal to the region’s leadership not to allow internal differences to derail the process at the “final hour”.
Urging unity, trust and wisdom, the two leaders opposed any Padyatra or protest in Leh while formal talks are underway, backed the creation of Hill Councils in all seven districts and called for strict adherence to the agreements already reached.
In a statement on Monday these leaders said “We are deeply concerned to see the recent misunderstandings and erosion of trust amongst the top leadership of the Buddhist community at a time when Ladakh stands at a historic crossroads. Without seeking any media limelight or press conferences, we have been quietly meeting some of our most revered spiritual masters including His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche, His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche and other elders, who have all expressed deep concern over the present state of affairs”.
In an appeal after thorough deliberations the two leaders said “While fully supporting the historic consensus arrived at by all parties at Leh and signed consensually with the Government of India, we earnestly appeal that no statement or action is made which may vitiate the atmosphere and derail the talks. The objective already agreed upon and signed must not be allowed to fail due to any confusion”.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the notification issued for constitution of LAHDCs in all 7 districts of Ladakh. We strongly urge the UT Administration and Government of India to initiate immediate groundwork for holding elections at the earliest to fulfill the just, legitimate and democratic aspirations of the people”.
On the issue of LBA Leadership and Unity, they said “We fully support the principled stand taken by Shri Thupstan Chhewang, which in essence strengthens the leadership of Shri Tsering Dorje Lakrook as President of Ladakh Buddhist Association. We humbly appeal to both respected leaders to establish direct communication, to avoid misunderstanding and intermediaries, and to work in tandem for the unity and welfare of the Buddhist community”.
On Proposed padyatra and protest, they said “We are strongly against holding any Padyatra or protest in Leh while formal talks are proceeding as a follow-up to the agreement consensually signed by ourselves. Such actions at this juncture will only weaken our collective negotiating strength. The satisfactory 6th meeting with MHA at New Delhi must be followed up with sincerity to take it to its logical conclusion”.
“We also humbly appeal to Apex Body Leh and KDA leadership to strictly follow the agreement reached on 22nd May and thereafter signed at Leh, to achieve the agreed points. We appeal not to deviate from the said agreement and the path already agreed upon”.
“Ladakh’s struggle has always been guided by non-violence, wisdom and unity. Let us not lose this at the final hour”, they appealed.