NEW DELHI: Flagging a “lack of equal and inclusive representation of the Buddhist community” in ongoing talks between Ladakhi outfits and the Centre on constitutional safeguards, a new Buddhist body — Voice of Buddhist Community of Ladakh (VBL) — has sought inclusion in the dialogue to articulate the community’s concerns and aspirations.VBL was formally floated on January 1, 2026, with the backing of senior Buddhist leaders, prominent citizens, youth and women representing all regions of Ladakh. The outfit said its objective is to ensure broader and more effective representation of Buddhists in discussions with the MHA.A source said the move is aimed at ensuring that “any decision emerging from the dialogue between the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance on one hand and MHA on the other keeps in mind the voice of Buddhist community of Ladakh”.While welcoming the Centre’s initiative to engage Ladakhi leaders, VBL, in a letter to Amit Shah, expressed concern over the composition of high-powered committee, which currently comprises LAB and KDA leaders. Though LAB includes representation from Ladakh Buddhist Association, VBL said Buddhists remain under-represented in HPC, undermining community’s interests in draft proposal prepared by LAB and KDA. As per sources, the draft proposal seeks statehood and 6th Schedule status for Ladakh but is silent on the demand for special status under Article 371. VBL, which opposes the demand for statehood, fears the proposal may be skewed in favour of the Kargil region.VBL said it would submit a separate draft proposal to Centre after consultations. Its convenor Skarma Namtak recently called on Ladakh LG to present the group’s demands, stressing any dialogue on Ladakh’s future must adequately reflect Buddhist concerns.
