Ladakh Buddhist Association, that has on & off backed Sonam Wangchuk’s protests at various points of time seems to be now witnessing a rift.
In a major setback to Ladakh Buddhist Association, the Association’s Vice President Tenzin Motup has resigned.His resignation comes at a time when Tenzin Motup has persistently raised the issue of maintaining political neutrality by LBA. The Association in recent times has been backing Sonam Wangchuk’s in his so called agitations. He said LBA cannot become a political instrument to serve specific political parties or individuals in achieving political goals.
In his resignation letter to Chering Dorjay Lakrook, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Tenzin Motup has raised four key points,which he said needs immediate attention within LBA. He vouched for Institutional Autonomy within LBA asserting that the Office-bearers should have reasonable authority to use the Association’s official letterhead for legitimate representations and public-interest matters.
Further, he called for Political Neutrality. He said the LBA must maintain an independent and non-partisan political position, engaging with all political parties and governments without favouring any particular party or individual. Its decisions must reflect the collective interests of the people of Ladakh particularly that of Buddhist community.
He also called for Financial Transparency. “All financial transactions, receipts and expenditures should be properly documented, disclosed and periodically reviewed, including through quarterly financial reviews”, he said in his resignation letter.
Lastly, the outgoing vice president also stressed on collective decision-making: Regular meetings and open discussions should be institutionalised to encourage participation, transparency and collective accountability in important decisions.
Meanwhile, a day after the Leh Apex Body announced plans to hold regular dharnas in Leh against the decision to conduct in eight districts of union terrority hill council polls in December, Chief Electoral Officer has issued orders for banning protests and other linked activities in Leh and Kargil regions. Wangchuk is also a prominent member of the LAB. Interestingly, Sonam Wangchuk has been claiming that he had been placed under a under house arrest ahead of planned protests against the upcoming council polls.
