Observing the 33rd Martyrs day, Leh paid tribute to the three UT martyrs Nawang Dorjay and Stobdan at Memorial park Skyatsaks on August 27. 

People also commemorated Late Ven. Lobzang Tsondus from Likir monastery and Tashi Angchuk from Saspol who laid down their lives on January 24, 1981, during the agitation for Scheduled Tribe status for Ladakh.

Nawang Rinchen from Sankar;  Tsewang Dorjey from Saboo and Tsering Stobdan from Durbuk had to sacrifice their lives in firing on 27th August 1989 when people of Ladakh were agitating for Union Territory (UT) status. Since then 27 August is being observed as Martyr's day every year.

The Chief Guest of the occasion, His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche prayed for the departed souls and well-being of family members of the martyrs. His Eminence said that the day is important to remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs and the struggle of the people for the cause of the whole of Ladakh.

Thuksey Rinpoche stressed the importance of staying united, supporting and encouraging each other to develop a society. 

President, LBA, Thupstan Chhewang recalled the agitation days and the reasons behind the struggle and sacrifices made. He said that it is because of the sacrifices of the brave hearts and unity of the people of Ladakh, Government intervened and proposed a grant of the LAHDC for Leh on the pattern of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.

“The agitation was not carried out for a day or two, it lasted for more than months and was participated by people from all walks of life, leaving aside differences and standing together for the cause of Ladakh. What we achieved is because of the unity”, he added.

Talking about the need for safeguard for Ladakh after UT status, Thupstan Chhewang said that there is a growing concern among the people of Ladakh regarding land, job, culture, and identity in the Union Territory setup because we have been granted UT without legislature or safeguard.
“To demand safeguard, the time has come once again to stand united and safe our future”, he added.

Thupstan Chhewang highlighted the power of the Hill council being undermined in the UT setup.  “We hear that Hill Council got all its power but on the ground, it is not being seen. Today we see that the orders issued by UT administration are not in favor of the people of Ladakh”, he added.

Thupstan Chhewang stressed to the people of Ladakh to strive unitedly for the safeguard of Ladakh. He said, “I have no personal gain and interest from anything. I dedicate myself to work for the safeguard demand of Ladakh”, he added.

Tashi Gyaltson, CEC, LAHDC, Leh also spoke about the importance of the day for Ladakh. 
He said that the council has identified the land and handed it over to the family members of Nawang Dorjay Stobdan and the paperwork for the final allotment is under process. 

Tashi Gyalson said that the Council is working on the application submitted by the family members of the Late Ven. Lobzang Tsondus and Tashi Angchuk who laid down their lives on Jan. 24, 1981, during the agitation for scheduled Tribe status for Ladakh. He said soon the land will also be allotted to them.

Chering Dorjay Lakrook, Vice President, LBA, and Kunzes Dolma, General Secretary, LBA Women Wing also spoke on the occasion.