The 36th death anniversary of martyrs Nawang Dorjay Stobdan was observed on August 27 at the Martyrs’ Memorial Park, Leh, where tributes were paid to them who laid down their lives for the cause of Ladakh.

The commemoration was organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and began with a prayer ceremony led by His Eminence Liktsey Khamtak Rinpoche, joined by other monks. Families of the martyrs were felicitated on the occasion, as the gathering recalled the sacrifices made in the struggle for Ladakh’s rights and identity.

Addressing the gathering, LBA President Chering Dorjey Lakruk reiterated the importance of the demands for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He said these demands were based on careful study of Ladakh’s needs and benefits, and urged people not to be swayed by misinformation or rumours. Expressing concern over the delay in resuming talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs, he also questioned the government’s intent following the sudden deployment of CRPF personnel in Leh.

“Safeguards after UT status are imperative and non-negotiable. Ladakh needs statehood and constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule,” he stressed.

Recalling the 1989 agitation, he said the people of that time—men and women alike—were fearless and selfless in demanding their rights. Sharing personal memories, he recounted how Late Tashi Angchuk from Saspol and Late Ven. Lobzang Tsondus from Likir Monastery were shot during the agitation, and how he himself had rushed them to hospital. “The sacrifices of Nawang Dorjay Stobdan, Tashi Angchuk, and Ven. Lobzang Tsondus from Likir Monastery cannot be forgotten. They must inspire us to stand united and demand our rightful safeguards,”* he said.

Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, also addressed the gathering, recalling the 1989 struggle and the sacrifices made for Ladakh’s future. He noted that the movement ultimately secured ST status, Hill Councils, and UT status for the region. “It is our duty to remember those who sacrificed their lives and to pass this history to the younger generation,” he said, adding that as a tribute, the family of the deceased has been allotted land at Dambuchan on LBA’s request.

On the current safeguard demand, Yakzee asserted that the BJP is not opposed to statehood or Sixth Scheduleprotections for Ladakh. “It is often projected that BJP works against Ladakh’s interests, but that is not true. The UT status itself was granted by the BJP government to ensure grassroots development and to give Ladakh its own identity. I strongly advocate safeguards for land, jobs, business, culture, and environment,” he said.

Prominent voices including Sonam Wangchuk (Founder, SECMOL), Ashraf Ali Barcha, Dr. Abdul Qayum, and Kunzes Dolma also shared their views on the occasion.