Amid LAC standoff, former Ambassador’s remarks on Dalai Lama kick up row in Ladakh

The remarks made by a former Indian diplomat on Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama on a television show have sparked off a controversy in Ladakh amidst rising tensions between Indian and China.

Phunchok Stobdan, India's former Ambassador to Krysgistan, had questioned the Dalai Lama for being ‘mute’ on the incursions made by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh during a television show on Friday.

"Dalia Lama should speak about the present situation. He should not keep focussing on his prayers and mediation silently. We had allowed him to form a government in Dharmshala," Stobdan said during a live television show on Aaj Tak.

Stobdan had also sought a clarification from the spiritual leader that the land belonged to India and not to Tibet.

"Is there some collusion between the two (China and Dalai Lama)? It is much confusing. It is neither China's land nor Tibet's. It belongs to India," Stobdan went on.

Ladakah Buddhist Association and Ladakh Gonpa Association, an organisation of Buddhist monasteries, have deplored the remarks made by Stobdan and called for a shutdown on Monday.

On Sunday, Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) and Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) held a joint press conference and condemned Stobdan’s "irresponsible" remarks.

Speaking to National Herald, P.T Kunzang, president of LBA, said that Stobdanunnecessarily dragged the name of the spiritual leader in the television debate.

"Dalia Lama is a highly respectable religious leader. He has dropped his political role, and Stobdan must know that," said Kunzang. "In 2011, Dalia Lama stepped down as the political head of Tibetan government-in-exile"

Kunzang said that Stobdan's disparaging remarks about Dalai Lama had hurt the sentiments of Buddhist community all across the world.

The entire Leh district on Monday witnessed a total shutdown against Stobdan's remarks. Apart from LBA and LGA, the call was supported by merchant and student associations.

Ladakh always stood with India

LBA reiterated that the people of Ladakh are true nationalists and always fought alongside the soldiers during the foreign intrusions.

"During the Sino-India and Kargil war, the native population and army stood shoulder to shoulder. We are true patriots," said Kunzang.

He said that the irresponsible remarks made by the Stobdan were unpalatable to the entire Buddhist community.

Reports pouring in from eastern Ladakh suggest rising tensions between the armies of India and China. According to reports, in Pangong Tso, the soldiers of both the countries had hurled rocks at each other and fought with clubs. The situation along the LAC continues to remain grim.