Spiritual visit, political talks line up in Ladakh ahead of Buddha Jayanti
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Leh on April 30 for a two-day visit to pay respects to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha on Buddha Jayanti (May 1), ahead of starting the political dialogue with various Ladakh groups on May 22.
Two weeks ago, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also demanded the resumption of the dialogue process to fulfil the long-pending demand of granting Statehood to Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to the region.
The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), which have been spearheading a dialogue with the Centre, are also backing the resumption of talks.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, in a post on X said, “I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India, has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue on 22nd May.
“This will carry forward the process of constructive democratic dialogue with key stakeholders of Ladakh and pave the way for an enduring solution to meet the aspirations of the people of Ladakh,” the Lt Governor said in a post on X on Sunday.
Earlier, he also confirmed the schedule of Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit to Ladakh. “It gives me great pleasure to share that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be arriving in Leh on April 30 for a two-day visit.
“On May 1, he will pay his respects to the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and share his thoughts on the spiritual significance of the sacred exposition being held in Ladakh from May 1-14,” the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said in a post on X.
The home minister’s visit underscores the commitment of the Government of India for the development of Ladakh, he added.
According to the official spokesman of the Ladakh Lok Bhavan, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha will arrive in Leh on April 29 for a first-of-its-kind public exposition in the region. The relics, excavated from Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh (ancient Kapilvastu), will be displayed at Jive Tsal, Choglamsar, from May 1 to May 14.
Senior officers of the Union Territory, led by LG Vinai Kumar Saxena, also visited Jevitsal, the venue of the Sacred Exposition of Holy Buddha Relics, and took stock of the preparedness for the grand spiritual celebration, from May 1 to 14.
LG Saxena took a comprehensive review of the security and logistical arrangements and directed the concerned officials to ensure that every aspect of the preparation is carried out with utmost care and precision.
