Q. Brief us about the Sunni Community of Ladakh.

The Sunni community in Ladakh, popularly known as the Arghon community, has historically played a significant role in the region's development alongside other communities. Prior to Ladakh's merger with India, the Sunni community made notable contributions in areas such as finance, trade, and the overall economy. They also played a crucial mediating role during conflicts and wars with neighboring regions like Tibet and Baltistan.

Culturally, the community is known for its rich traditions. Their marriage ceremonies were particularly renowned, along with traditional archery and unique culinary practices, all of which added to Ladakh’s cultural diversity.

After Ladakh became a part of India, many prominent individuals from the Sunni community continued their contributions. Several of them worked closely with His Eminence Kushok Bakula Rinpoche to address and raise key issues concerning Ladakh. The community has consistently worked—and continues to work—for the progress and betterment of the region.

Q. Tell us about Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam—when it was formed and what its objectives are.

Anjuman Moin ul Islam has a long and rich history, making it one of the oldest socio-religious associations in Ladakh. It originated from the efforts of a few influential families, primarily those engaged in trade with Lhasa, who initially established a small Madrasa to provide Islamic education to children, including teachings from the Holy Quran. The original objective was to impart religious knowledge and ensure the welfare of the community.

Over time, this small initiative evolved into a formal organization—Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam. Education has remained its core objective. In 1932, the Islamia Public School was established, evolving from the madrasa. Today, the school functions like any other educational institution and also has branches across Leh. It plays a key role in providing education, especially to orphans.

Anjuman Moin ul Islam also plays an important role in collecting Zakaat—a charitable contribution of around 2.5% of an individual's unused wealth or assets. This amount is gathered annually from community members and is primarily used to support the education of orphans. Additionally, the association provides financial assistance to widows and divorced women who have no source of income.

The organisation also oversees around 20 to 25 mosques in the region, providing salaries to individuals who lead Namaz (prayer) there.
In the health sector, the organization collaborates with the Voluntary Medical Society to work on early detection of health issues in specially-abled children. They assist in providing hearing aids, artificial limbs, and other medical support.

Another significant contribution is the Central Asian Museum, an initiative aimed at educating the younger generation of Ladakh about their rich heritage. The museum showcases artifacts and history related to the Central Asian and Silk Routes, offering a visual narrative of Ladakh’s historical connections and trade legacy.

Q. The Sunni community in Leh has long been demanding representation in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh. Can you tell us more about this?

Yes, it is true that the Sunni community has faced political neglect in many ways. While there may have been some shortcomings on our part, the community has also been unfairly targeted at times, which has contributed to its political marginalization.

The LAHDC Leh consists of 26 elected councillors and 4 nominated members. The Sunni community is spread across several areas including Turtuk, Hunder, Diskit, Saboo, Phyang, and Choglamsar, with a significant concentration in the town areas of Upper and Lower Leh. In fact, these two constituencies are largely influenced by the Sunni community, which holds a substantial share of the votes and often plays a decisive role during elections.

Despite this, the community remains without a single representative in the Hill Council. Every other community has found representation, yet we remain excluded. This raises serious concerns. It is unclear whether this exclusion is due to a lack of awareness or a deliberate oversight during the demarcation of constituencies. With the growing population in the town area, the allocation of just two councillors is inadequate. There is a clear need for decentralization and an increase in representation, particularly to reflect changing demographics.

Historically, the Sunni community has supported every major movement in Ladakh—be it the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, Union Territory (UT) status, or other regional causes. However, it feels deeply unjust that such a committed and vibrant community is left without any representation.

Previously, a nominated seat was always reserved for a Sunni representative in the Council, without any conditions. However, for the first time since the formation of LAHDC, Leh, that seat has not been allotted to us. The decision to withhold this representation appears deliberate and has caused a great deal of hurt within the community. Neglecting a vibrant and historically significant community in the political process is a clear injustice.

Q. Interfaith harmony in Ladakh is often cited as an example of peaceful coexistence. However, certain issues, such as interfaith marriages, continue to disrupt this harmony. Could you share your thoughts on this?

Yes, it is true that while Ladakh is known for its interfaith harmony, issues like interfaith marriages have sometimes caused tensions and led to communities pointing fingers at each other. Ladakh is a close-knit society, where every community holds deep cultural and religious sentiments. So, when interfaith marriages occur—especially those involving religious conversion—they often disturb the delicate balance of mutual respect.

During prayer gatherings at the mosque, we advise our youth—both boys and girls—to be mindful of the implications of interfaith marriages. Our emphasis is not on creating division, but on preserving the social fabric of our region, which has been built on mutual understanding and respect for traditions.

We believe that religious conversion solely for the purpose of marriage should be avoided. It's important that all communities engage in open conversations with their children about these matters from an early stage. While we cannot completely prevent interfaith marriages—since they involve personal emotions and choices—we can reduce misunderstandings and conflicts by raising awareness and fostering respectful dialogue.

Additionally, I would like to stress that reactions to such situations should be balanced. The response should not be harsh or targeted toward one religion alone; the same standards should apply to all, to ensure fairness and maintain communal harmony.

Q. After Union Territory status, Ladakh has been demanding safeguards for its land, culture, and identity. However, we often see locals selling land or engaging in business with outside investors. Doesn’t this appear contradictory? What is your view?

The demand for safeguards for Ladakh’s land, culture, and identity is not just for the present generation, but for the generations to come. Ladakh, despite its small population, has earned recognition around the world for its unique heritage and environment. It is therefore crucial that we collectively uphold and protect this identity.

While discussions on constitutional safeguards are ongoing between Ladakhi leaders and the Government of India, the responsibility, in the meantime, rests with each and every individual Ladakhi. Until legal protections are in place, it is up to us to act responsibly and avoid actions that could undermine our long-term interests.

Selling land or entering into business ventures with outside investors may seem financially beneficial in the short term, but we must ask ourselves—at what cost? Those who engage in such practices are not only risking their own future but are also compromising the collective future of Ladakh. It's akin to striking an axe against our own feet.

Considering our scattered population and delicate cultural fabric, every Ladakhi must take personal responsibility to protect and sustain our unique identity for the future.

Message to the Readers

Ladakh is currently at a crucial juncture, and unity among all its people is more important than ever. Let us set aside our differences and come together to work collectively for the progress and well-being of Ladakh.