Ladakh Civil Society Forum Accuses Sonam Wangchuk of Hijacking Key Negotiation Agenda
The Ladakh Civil Society Forum claims Sonam Wangchuk has diverted crucial talks on land, jobs, and cultural security.
Leh, October 23 (Daily Kiran) : The Ladakh Civil Society Forum has accused Sonam Wangchuk of hijacking the central agenda in ongoing negotiations regarding land, employment, and cultural security. The forum asserts that the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) no longer represent the voices of all districts.
During a recent meeting in Leh, members expressed deep concern over delays in discussions involving the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), LAB, and KDA. They claimed that the core issues concerning the protection of Ladakh’s land, jobs, and culture have been sidelined. The forum also criticized the confrontational attitudes exhibited by some members during the talks.
The meeting included notable figures such as former MP Thupstan Chhewang, ex-Executive Councillor Rigzen Spalbar, and former MLC Tsering Samphel. Representatives from Thiksey and Thuksey, along with monks from various monasteries, members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, village heads, retired officials, and other civil society members were also present.
Chhewang accused the leaders of LAB and KDA of dismissing the MHA’s draft proposal without thoroughly exploring alternatives. He asserted that the outcomes of previous meetings were misrepresented, leading to confusion among the public.
He attributed the repeated delays in the MHA’s meeting scheduled for October 22 in New Delhi to misinformation and disregard for prior agreements, warning that this could adversely affect Leh, particularly its Buddhist community.
The forum emphasized that the negotiation process should not become a hostage to delay tactics and confrontational politics. They called for the immediate conduct of elections for Panchayati Raj institutions and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, urging that these elected bodies be granted greater powers.
In their appeal to continue the dialogue, the forum stated that given the current ground realities, LAB and KDA can no longer claim to speak on behalf of all of Ladakh.
