The Ladakh Buddhist Association has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to implement a strict anti-conversion law in the Union Territory immediately. The association expressed serious concerns about potential communal violence in this strategically important border region.
Immediate Trigger for the Demand
While the letter did not explicitly state the immediate reason, it arrived amidst reports of a Buddhist girl from Zanskar allegedly eloping with a youth from Kargil. This incident sparked protests and complaints that marriage was being misused as a tool for converting women from the Buddhist community. Zanskar maintains a Buddhist-majority population, while Kargil has a Muslim majority.
Content of the Letter
LBA President Chering Dorjay Lakrook sent the letter on Thursday. It emphasized Ladakh's unique religious demography, which maintains a delicate balance between Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian communities, along with other minorities. The letter argued that conversion activities pose a significant threat to Ladakh's peace and stability.
The potential consequences include undermining development initiatives due to social tensions, and negatively impacting tourism and economic activities because of perceived instability.
Specific Concerns Raised
The letter cited increasing conversion activities in the region. It alleged these activities involve organized campaigns in remote areas, using inducements, allurements, and misrepresentation. The campaigns reportedly target economically vulnerable sections and involve conversion through marriage without full disclosure.
Parallel Complaint from Zanskar
On the same Thursday, the Zanskar Buddhist Association submitted a separate complaint to local authorities. They alleged the girl had been abducted and wrongfully confined. The ZBA warned this incident could be part of a wider pattern where marriage is misused for religious conversions.
Rationale for the Law
Lakrook's letter states that an anti-conversion law in Ladakh would help prevent communal tension. It would deter what they term provocative conversions and provide an institutional mechanism for addressing related grievances.
Precedents from Other States
To support the demand, Lakrook cited examples of several Indian states that have enacted anti-conversion laws over the years. Odisha was the first state to do so in 1967. Other states that followed include Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka.
Background of the LBA
The Ladakh Buddhist Association, founded in 1932, remains an influential organization in the region. It is part of the Leh Apex Body, an amalgamation of political and religious groups. The LAB seeks Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh. Chering Dorjay Lakrook also serves as the chairman of the Leh Apex Body.
