Latest news with #Ladakhis
India Gazette
14-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Dalai Lama calls India ideal place for Buddhist study amidst growing restrictions in China
Ladakh [India], July 14 (ANI): Dalai Lama's recent visit to Ladakh underscored India's unique and vital role as the global center for authentic Buddhist learning and practice, a status that far surpasses China's constrained and politicised approach, according to The Dalai Lama Office. After a warm, jubilant welcome from Ladakhis, Tibetans, and other local communities, Dalai Lama emphasised the profound importance of India in preserving and nurturing Buddhist traditions, especially in light of the destruction inflicted on Tibetan Buddhist institutions by Chinese authorities. 'The precious traditions that we can learn and implement in daily life have declined in Tibet. Those who fled to India have had the responsibility of preserving these traditions,' said Dalai Lama. He recalled the chaos of 1959 that forced him to flee Tibet, and how the Government of India has extended 'immense support' and 'tremendous assistance' to Tibetan refugees, allowing the revival of monastic universities and rigorous scholarly debate on Buddhist philosophy. 'Unlike China, where religious freedom is severely restricted and political control undermines genuine spiritual teaching, India offers a free and flourishing environment for the study of Buddhism's deepest philosophical texts, including the Middle Way (Madhyamaka) and logic (Pramana) from the ancient Nalanda tradition. 'In China, the political situation is not stable, I feel it would be difficult to teach about Buddhism in a country where there is no freedom,' said Dalai Lama. He highlighted how Tibetan Buddhism's rich heritage of dialectical debate and scholarly rigour thrives in India's monastic centers, where students actively engage in philosophical discussions that cultivate insight and compassion. This open intellectual environment contrasts sharply with China's politicised, superficial promotion of Buddhism, often stripped of its transformative spiritual depth. Furthermore, Dalai Lama praised the Himalayan region's shared language, culture, and Buddhist lineage with Tibetans, stressing the critical role of Indian institutions in upholding and spreading the authentic Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings. With India's democratic freedoms, centuries-old Buddhist educational traditions, and ongoing support for Tibetan refugees and monastics, it is clear why India remains the unrivalled sanctuary and beacon for Buddhism's future. (ANI)
Scroll.in
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
With no guarantee of autonomy, sub-zero Ladakh will continue to boil
Early in June, the Indian government issued four notifications aimed at providing improved employment and cultural security to Ladakh, the country's northernmost region. A high-altitude desert, Ladakh is ecologically and culturally fragile, and geopolitically strategic, sharing borders with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and China-occupied Tibet. Since at least 2023, the residents of Ladakh have been demanding legal safeguards as per the Constitution that would grant them autonomy in governing the region in tune with its unique cultural and ecological conditions, and ensure they get dignified livelihoods. The June notifications addressed some of these key demands. One provides for employment reservation of up to 85% for Ladakhis, excluding the 10% reservation for economically weaker sections. The total of up to 95% reservation is amongst the highest in India. A second notification specifies that to obtain a 'domicile certificate', one has to already have a resident certificate, or have resided in Ladakh for 15 years after 2019. Such a certificate enables, amongst other things, access to job reservations. This means that non-Ladakhis will be ineligible for the next several years. A third notification reserves 33% seats on the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Councils for women. The fourth specifies that for official purposes, the following languages must be used: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti and Purgi, and that the Ladakh Administration should promote the local languages Shina (Dardic), Brokskat (Dardic), Balti and Ladakhi. Though these notifications are progressive in essence and follow several years of public pressure, several concerns persist. For instance, the language of the job reservation notification – 'the total percentage of reservation shall in no case exceed 85%' – leaves open the possibility that more than 15% of jobs can be filled by outside workers. More importantly, there is no guarantee that the most powerful administrative posts will be filled by Ladakhis, unless the domicile provision is applicable. For instance, in the Union Territory's administration, all but one secretary-level posts have, so far, been held by non-Ladakhis. These officials, who come with experience from regions that vastly differ from Ladakh and struggle to understand this high-altitude desert ecosystem and its associated cultures and livelihoods, often end up imposing their own alien visions of development and welfare. There is also suspicion that these notifications are a diversion from the core issues that Ladakhis have been raising. Several protests have focused on the demand for constitutional safeguards, in the form of recognition under the Sixth Schedule, and statehood. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution guarantees protection to land and a degree of autonomy for the country's tribal areas. When the region was bifurcated from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 after the abrogation of its special status, it was granted Union Territory status. Initially, the mood was celebratory since Union Territory status had been a long-standing demand to free Ladakh from Srinagar's control. But soon Ladakhis realised that the centre of power had merely shifted to New Delhi and that under the new regime – headed by the lieutenant governor appointed by the Centre – Ladakhi institutions, including the elected Hill Council, had even less power than before. At the heart of this is constitutional status under the Sixth Schedule – which the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had included as its first promise in the 2020 Hill Council elections – that will enable Ladakhis to safeguard their customary and traditional institutions, culture, ecology-based livelihoods – and especially land. With no movement on this from New Delhi, Ladakhis have repeatedly held protests, the latest being a march on foot from Leh to Delhi in September 2024. The Centre had then promised talks to consider the demands. Now, however, it is clear that the Centre does not want to recognise Ladakh's autonomy, at a time when it is intent on weakening India's federal structure, reducing the constitutional powers that states have. Centralising power is one motivation, while the other appears to be access to land and natural resources, both essential for the profit-making of corporations that have close ties with the ruling party and its allies. Having seen what is happening in other parts of India, Ladakhis fear losing control over their homeland. They have seen how decisions continue to be taken by the Union Territory's administration that undermine local capacity and expertise. For instance, envisioning Ladakh's development has been contracted to outside agencies, including multinational corporations like Ernst and Young, while infrastructure contracts have been given to companies based outside the region. There is a centralisation of decisions about land in the hands of the district commissioner. The domicile notification does not, in any way, guarantee that such processes will be in the hands of Ladakhis, even if local expertise and capacity may exist. Importantly, Sixth Schedule or statehood status is not by itself a guarantee that Ladakh's process of development will be sensitive to its culture, livelihoods and ecology. Similar motivations were at the heart of the people's movements that led to the formation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand. But the subsequent failure of imagination about what a local culture and ecology-sensitive process of development could look like, coupled with electoral politics, corruption and other forces, have undermined much of those intentions. What is to keep Ladakh from going in the same direction, especially as it will have to generate a lot of its own resources? The frenzy of construction by Ladakhis in Leh, for what are clearly short-term profits from tourism, raises such a question. This is a concern that local leaders are well aware of – like Chhering Dorjay Lakruk, vice-chair of the Apex Body, one of the two regional organisations spearheading the movement – the other being Kargil Democratic Alliance. Lakruk has said that since ecology, including climate, and culture have been at the core of their demands, the hope is that these will form the foundation of their vision for an autonomous Ladakh. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and several Ladakhi youth involved in the agitation, have said the same. In any case, these visions can only be put to the test if and when the constitutional status of autonomy is recognised. For too many years, the time and energy of Ladakhis have been wasted having to demand their most fundamental rights. This is not of benefit to either Ladakh or the rest of the subcontinent, given that the region is part of the largest freshwater reservoirs that hundreds of millions of people depend on, and that it is in one of India's most geopolitically sensitive areas But if the Centre continues to sidestep the main issue of autonomy and self-governance, the geo-politically important and climate-sensitive region will continue to be on the boil, even in the sub-zero temperatures of the highest plateau of India.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ladakhi farmer's rifleman son commissioned as officer
Dehradun: Tsering Nurdup, son of a farmer from Ladakh and a former rifleman in the Ladakh Scouts, was commissioned as a lieutenant — realising a lifelong dream and bringing pride not just to his family, but to an entire region. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dressed in traditional Ladakhi attire, the Nurdup family stood out on the grounds of the Indian Military Academy's iconic Chetwode Drill Square on Saturday. As Lt Nurdup stood tall in his crisp ceremonial uniform, his mother clutched his hand — her eyes welling up with tears of pride and joy. For them, it was not just a passing out parade. It was history in the making. Born into a modest home with a father who tills the tough terrains of Ladakh, a homemaker mother and a sister serving as a clerk in the Sashastra Seema Bal, Nurdup's journey is a story of grit and unshaken resolve. His dream — sparked by the olive green uniforms around him — never flickered, even as he began his career as a rifleman. "Becoming a Class I officer in this prestigious institution was always my dream," he said, moments after the stars were pinned to his uniform, his voice steady but full of emotion. "For us Ladakhis, the Army isn't just a job — it's part of our identity. Whether it's the Indo-Pak wars or standoffs with China, we've always stood at the frontlines... And what matters more is our spirit — our willingness to serve, no matter the challenge. " Even as Nurdup's father looked on in awe, his sister said with a smile, "My parents can't understand much of what's being said here. But they understand this — their son is living his dream."
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Northern crown
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. Govt did well to address some of Ladakh's concerns. Remaining issues must be resolved sensitively GOI did the right thing by introducing a new reservation and domicile policy for Ladakh. Guaranteeing 85% reservations for locals in govt jobs – excluding EWS category – will address local anxiety about high unemployment. It's important to recall that Ladakhis have been peacefully pressing for their demands, in the best traditions of democracy. This was best exemplified by activist Sonam Wangchuk's walk from Ladakh to Delhi and subsequent 16-day hunger strike last year. To its credit, govt did consult Ladakh's civil society organisations before working out the new policies. However, key demands remain unfulfilled. Ladakh's demands stem from the fact that following nullification of Article 370 in 2019 that abrogated special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir – of which Ladakh was a part – the region was hived off and converted to a UT without a legislature. While initially welcomed – because Ladhakis often felt govts in Srinagar were biased against the region – the new setup was soon seen as inadequate in addressing key issues like unemployment, preservation of local culture, and protection of a fragile ecosystem. Hence the demand for inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. It can't be stressed enough that ecological conservation is central to Ladakh's aspirations. The region is experiencing serious glacier retreat, with some glaciers like Parachik retreating by 12-20 metres per annum. Therefore, development here can't happen the same way as in other regions. We have already seen the adverse impact of non-ecologically compliant infra projects in mountainous states. Also, Ladakh's status as a border region with China and Pakistan brings additional security challenges. Ecology and security are joined at the hip here. Therefore, defence infra projects and people's aspirations must be in harmony. People of Ladakh are our shield. Listen to them. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
The Print
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
If Centre stops at job quota, it'll be serious breach of trust—Wangchuk reiterates Ladakhis' core demands
Speaking to ThePrint, Sonam Wangchuk said the notification addressed only 'the third and least important' of the core demands of Ladakhis, adding that if the Centre now stopped, it would be a 'serious breach of trust'. The central government on Tuesday released a notification , reserving 85% of all government jobs in Ladakh for locals, and a third of all seats in the hill councils for women on a rotational basis. New Delhi : Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk is among the prominent Ladakhi voices, terming the recently notified policies on domiciles, job reservations, the composition of hill councils, and the official languages of the Union Territory as 'only a partial resolution'. 'This is not a resolution of Ladakhi issues. It is only a partial resolution of the third and least important of our demands—youth employment. The core demands of statehood and the Sixth Schedule protections have not even come up for discussions yet.' 'People are confused and anxious, fearing the Centre would project the job reservations as the final solution. If that happens, it will be a serious breach of trust,' Sonam Wangchuk said. 'The Centre earlier assured us of taking only the first step towards resolving urgent issues now. If the notification is the only step, it, for sure, does not address the main demands, and the people of Ladakh will, in that case, feel cheated.' Speaking to ThePrint, Cherring Dorjay Lakruk, the president of Ladakh Buddhist Association and co-convener of Leh Apex Body, said, 'It is the best we could negotiate with the Centre for now. It met one of our key demands—85% job reservation for Ladakhis. But there is still confusion among people, which is why they are not celebrating yet.' 'Many wrongly believe that STs (Scheduled Tribes) from outside can claim benefits. We will hold a press conference to clear that up,' he added. On the other hand, calling the notification a 'welcome move', members of different hill councils said that the discussions on the remaining demands would take place at some later point. The notification also restricted the children of central government employees from becoming Ladakh 'domiciles' until they proved they had continuously lived in Ladakh for 15 years, starting 31 October 2019, or the day Ladakh became a UT. It also declared English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as the UT's official languages. Also Read: Shivaji statue in Ladakh is part of an unfortunate trend. Indian Army must introspect Ladakhis wait & watch The Centre's notification, of course, is not all bad. It, after all, is the wind beneath the wings of the youth awaiting government action for a long time. 'The announcement brings relief for unemployed youth and understaffed departments, but even that is only partial,' Sonam Wangchuk said. 'We were hoping for a 30-year domicile cut-off, not 15 years, as notified all of a sudden.' According to Sonam Wangchuk, people are still willing to place trust in the Centre, but only if it keeps the promises of providing full democratic rights to Ladakhis and implementing the Sixth Schedule in the region, providing special provisions for the administration of the tribal areas. Sonam Wangchuk said that Ladakh's statehood and the Sixth Schedule protections were the top agendas in the BJP manifesto released before the 2020 elections to the hill councils in Ladakh—demands, so far, unfulfilled. Now, elections are again approaching, and if the BJP meets the two main demands before polling, all parties might withdraw from contesting. Sonam Wangchuk said that in the September elections, people would hand the hill councils over to the Centre on a platter if it sincerely addressed their main demands. 'Parties are saying the government can win—uncontested—in that case,' Sonam Wangchuk said. 'However, if the discussion ends with domicile, it will not be enough for the leadership or the people. In case the Centre sincerely pursues discussions on security and democracy, Ladakh will forever be grateful,' he added. How Ladakhis will eventually feel about the central government depends on what will happen next—the public is 'expecting real talks' to begin soon. 'If the real talks begin now, this is a welcome start. If not, people will respond through the next elections,' Sonam Wangchuk warned. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Who was Tsetan Namgyal, 'unsung hero' who served with the Indian Army in the 1962 war
