Leh: In a significant political development, branch presidents of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) have appealed to veteran leader and former LBA president Thupstan Chhewang to resume his role as Chairman of the Apex Body of Leh.
The appeal comes amid growing unease and divisions over Ladakh’s political demands following Chhewang’s resignation from the Apex Body last year.
As per press release, leaders said his absence has created confusion and weakened the collective voice of Ladakh in negotiations with the Centre.
In a joint meeting of all branch presidents, it was unanimously resolved that only under Chhewang’s leadership could Ladakh’s aspirations be effectively represented before the Government of India. “During his tenure as Apex Chairman, he brought clarity, strength and unity to the Ladakh movement, and successfully pushed for the resolution of several long-pending issues,” the leaders stated.
Expressing concern over the ongoing leadership’s ability to secure meaningful dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the branch presidents said Chhewang’s return was vital “without politics or self-interest” for the future of Ladakh and its people.
The appeal was jointly signed by Senior Vice President Rigzen Dorjay and branch presidents L.P. Namgail (Nubra), Rigzen Tamchos (Leh), Tsering Norboo (Sham), Thinles Norboo (Nyoma), Tsering Samphel (Kargil), Rinchen Namgail (Kharu), Pasang Lawang (Zangskar), and Thinley Angchuk (Durbuk).
