STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: Leaders of Leh cutting across party-line registered protest against unwarranted aggression shown against Chairman / CEC LAHDC Leh, Dr. Sonam Dawa by some monks last week.
Addressing a joint press conference, Member Parliament Thupstan Chhewang, Congress Legislature Party leader and MLA Leh Nawang Rigzin Jora, President Ladakh Buddhist Association Tsewang Thinles and Chief Convener New Ladakh Movement Sonam Wangchuk condemned the unruly behaviour shown by certain elements against CEC LAHDC Leh.
Thupstan Chhewang said that it was a sad day for Ladakh when many monks from Hemis, Chemre, Korzok Monasteries barged into LAHDC complex and used abusive language against LAHDC CEC Dr Sonam Dawa. “We consider this as an attack on the temple of democracy, the institution of LAHDC and we unitedly condemned it,” he said.
Jora said that as opposition leader he could be rejoicing and drawing vicarious pleasure watching Chairman of BJP led LAHDC being demeaned. “It is the institution that matters and not the individual heading it. LAHDC was achieved after seven years long struggle with the sacrifice of three precious lives.
This should not be allowed to disgraced,” Jora asserted. Dissension is the essence of democracy but decorum and modesty should be maintained while showing disagreement”, he added. Tsewang Thinles termed the episode as unfortunate. “We condemn it. Those who instigated monks should have asked them to keep restrain.
The language used by monks involved in attack against Dr Dawa is unacceptable,” he lamented. Sonam Wangchuk said that leaders should respect the elected representatives and institutions rather than being mute spectators. He lauded the effort by leaders present in press conference for showing the path to others keeping aside their political affiliations.
Earlier on 6th October, representatives of Hemis Monastery headed by Chakzot had protested at LAHDC accusing its chairman of ignoring requests to provide assistance and support to His Holiness Gyalwa Drukpa and 200 nuns when they entered Ladakh towards the end of their Eco Cycle Yatra which
started from Kathmandu and culminated in Ladakh last month. Among other things Dr Dawa was also accused of refusing to deliver a speech on the inaugural day of Naropa 2016 festival.
Later talking to media, Dr. Dawa termed the incident as unfortunate in the history of LAHDC and admitted that he could do nothing at that moment but to write an apology letter as forced by protesters.
Meanwhile, the video of the incident reportedly prepared by protesters has already become viral in the public domain.
