Thupstan to focus on UT status for Ladakh

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 20

Senior Buddhist leader and former BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang has announced that he will work to get the Union Territory (UT) status for the cold desert region of Ladakh.

Among the leading figures who launched the 'UT for Ladakh campaign' in 1980s, Thupstan said on Wednesday that he would work for the coveted status for the region. He said this time he would try to convince the people of Kargil about the benefits of the UT status for the whole region.

Thupstan resigned from the BJP and the Lok Sabha last year as he was disappointed with the party for its “fake” promises to the people of Ladakh.

He said, “I will continue to strive for securing the UT status for the Ladakh region. In Leh district, there is already a formidable support for the demand. I have played a humble role in this regard during the last more than three decades. My continuing endeavour will be to strengthen this statement and persuade the people of Kargil district to come along for ethnic affinity.”

“As a native, I am aware of our sentimental bond further strengthening of which will strengthen the country. I stand firm in my resolve to continue my mission. In this single-minded pursuit as a concerned citizen, I opt out of the electoral politics which in the prevailing milieu is divisive and hence a distraction,” he added.