 Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 19: Internal cracks within the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) have widened sharply, with its Kargil unit accusing the apex body in Leh of high-handedness, discrimination, and unilateral decision-making, following the removal of vice president Kunzes Dolma.
The controversy has erupted at a sensitive time when Ladakh is witnessing sustained agitation for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, adding to concerns over internal democracy within one of the region’s most influential socio-religious organisations.
The Kargil unit of the LBA has submitted a formal representation to the association’s president, strongly objecting to Kunzes Dolma’s removal, which it has termed “unceremonious, unconstitutional and illegal.”
According to the letter, she was removed before completing her stipulated three-year tenure, in violation of the organisation’s constitution.
The representation comes against the backdrop of mounting allegations of unilateral functioning levelled against the apex body by former LBA president Dr. Tondup Tsewang Chospa, who has accused the Leh-based leadership of taking major decisions without consulting stakeholders or the wider public.
In his letter, Samfel alleged that action against Kunzes Dolma was initiated on the basis of an anonymous letter carrying “baseless and pre-fabricated allegations.” He further claimed that she was neither informed of the charges nor given an opportunity to present her explanation, calling the entire process an abuse of authority The Kargil unit of the LBA has submitted a formal representation to the association’s president, strongly objecting to Kunzes Dolma’s removal, which it has termed “unceremonious, unconstitutional and illegal.”
The Kargil unit also pointed out that Kunzes Dolma had submitted a written complaint categorically denying all allegations and seeking restoration of her position. It said the subsequent nomination of another vice president violated Article 8 of the LBA Constitution and was therefore “invalid and unconstitutional.”
Demanding immediate corrective action, the LBA Kargil branch has urged the apex body to cancel the removal order and reinstate Kunzes Dolma to her post “in a dignified manner” at the earliest.
Describing her as a committed grassroots leader, the letter stated that Kunzes Dolma had consistently raised issues concerning the minority Buddhist community in Kargil, in addition to representing broader community concerns across Ladakh.
“She has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the community at her own expense of time and resources,” the representation said.
The internal turmoil follows serious allegations made last month by former LBA president Dr. Tondup Tsewang Chospa, who accused the apex body of sidelining public opinion while drafting a proposal submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Raising concerns over what he described as “public exclusion,” Dr. Chospa alleged that the document was prepared unilaterally by a small group of individuals, without consulting key stakeholders from across Ladakh.
He said communities from Kargil, Zanskar, Aryan Valley, Changthang and other regions were neither consulted nor were their concerns reflected in the final draft. |
