Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 10: A fresh controversy has erupted in Ladakh following allegations of under-representation of Buddhists in the recently resumed dialogue between local agitating groups and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Former President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Dr. Tondup Tsewang Chhospa, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing serious concern over what he termed an “imbalance in the composition of Ladakhi representatives” taking part in the talks on the region’s key demands.
In his letter, Dr. Chhospa stated that most representatives from the Apex Body, Leh, and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)—currently engaged in discussions with the High Powered Committee (HPC) and its sub-committee—belong to the Muslim community, while the Buddhist community remains inadequately represented.
“This imbalance may restrict the scope for cultural, social, and regional perspectives of the Buddhist community to be adequately expressed and understood in the dialogue process,”
Dr. Chhospa cautioned.
He further highlighted that the primary draft member representing both groups is from the Muslim community and “may not be fully aware of the sensitivities of the Buddhist community,” which could result in their issues being overlooked during deliberations. Dr. Chhospa urged the MHA to ensure equal representation of Buddhists and Muslims to achieve a balanced and inclusive outcome.
The former LBA chief also pointed out growing apprehensions among sections of Buddhists over the demand for statehood, fearing it could widen regional and communal divisions between Leh and Kargil instead of fostering unity.
According to the letter, Dr. Chhospa observed that the current composition of representatives engaged in talks with the HPC “clearly reflects a lack of A fresh controversy has erupted in Ladakh following allegations of under-representation of Buddhists in the recently resumed dialogue.
Former President of the LBA has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing serious concern over “imbalance in the composition.
Most representatives engaged in discussions with the High Powered Committee (HPC) belong to the Muslim community
This imbalance may restrict the scope for cultural, social, and regional perspectives of the Buddhist community to be adequately expressed and understood
“Such a composition may prove disadvantageous for the Buddhist community of Ladakh, as it limits the scope for their perspectives to be fully expressed and understood,” the letter stated, adding that several Buddhist groups fear their concerns are not being adequately represented.
Dr. Chhospa further wrote that since Ladakh’s identity is deeply rooted in both Buddhist and Muslim traditions, the views of both communities must be reflected equally in discussions shaping the region’s future.
The letter concludes with an appeal to the MHA for equal participation from both communities, ensuring a fair, balanced, and mutually acceptable resolution.
The controversy comes just weeks after the resumption of the stalled dialogue between Ladakh’s agitating groups and the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 22, nearly a month after the unprecedented September 24 violence in Leh, which left four civilians dead.
The October 22 meeting marked the first formal engagement between the two sides since the clashes. Since 2023, at least ten rounds of meetings have been held between representatives of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) with the High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the MHA to examine Ladakh’s political, constitutional, and administrative concerns. The previous round of talks was held in May 2025.
The resumed discussions aim to address long-pending demands, including statehood for Ladakh, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and job and land protections for local residents.
However, the latest rift over representation threatens to inject new friction into an already delicate dialogue process that seeks to bridge Ladakh’s deep-seated regional and communal divides. |
