Leh: While in Kashmir there is a common perception about Ladakhis that they more of resemble with Chinese and there would be no wrong if Ladakh becomes the part of China. But Ladakhis have a different story to tell and have just proved those mouths wrong.
While China has already occupied a part of the erstwhile state of J&K, but people in Ladakh are in no way siding or favouring with China.
During a recent visit to Ladakh, this reporter talked to varied sections of society about their understanding on the current uprising and about the fate of Ladakh which totally has a different culture than Kashmiris.
“We resemble like Chinese. But we are in no way culturally or traditionally attached to China. They have a different culture and we Ladakhis have unique identity of our own. We are more related to Kashmir than any other part surrounding this mountainous valley,” said Aanchik, who works at a guest house.
The understanding of the common people in Ladkah about the current unrest is interesting. Most of the people this reporter met say that whenever there is any trouble in Kashmir, it heavily affects the economy of Leh.
“There was a satisfactory tourism season, but it was not good, because of the unrest in Kashmir. Tourists prefer to visit Ladkah via Kashmir. It is a preferred zone. The tourists especially foreigners say a trip to Ladkah without seeing Kashmir is incomplete,” said Muntazarre Hussain, who owns a hotel at Leh.
Tsering Nurugu, a driver by profession said… “Sir, we are peace loving people, but we want Kashmir to be resolved as it affects our economy. We are concerned about our economy,” he said.
However, the political perspective of the people of Ladakh is different than of Kargil and Kashmir. The people in Kargil say they have decided to go with what Kashmir decides. “If Kashmir becomes India permanently, we will be with it. If it becomes Pakistan or Independent, we will be where Kashmir is,” said Ghulam Hussain, who looks to be in his late 70’s.
In Leh, which is a Buddhist dominated area; people say they just want to be free. “Not a free or independent area. But free here means we should live without fear, work freely and earn freely. This is what freedom is for us,” said Aanchik. He said for him freedom means live and let live without any fear.
He said but the political crisis in Kashmir has never been overlooked by the people of Ladkah and have always been worried about it. “We are not a separate entity. We know our fate is related to the state of J&K,” he said. (PTK)
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