‘95% Buddhists tormenting 5% Muslims’
SRINAGAR: An online petition on social media has sought an end to social boycott against minority population in Zanskar region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
The petition published by Tariq Rasool on his timeline is addressed to Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Buddhists from Tibet. The petition reads: I on behalf of the Muslim Population of Zanskar would like to invite your kind intervention and blessings for the future of Zanskar as land of Spiritual Peace, Progress, Harmony and Tranquility.
As you are aware that Zanskar is a remote landlocked region in Ladakh, with an approximate Population of 18000. Which comprises two religious communities Buddhists and Muslims, who have had a history of peaceful co-existence and share the same food, language and traditions since antiquity.”
Muslims in Zanskar referred to as (Khaches) account for only 5% of the total population, whereas Buddhists constitutes 95% of the population.
The petition has been signed by scores of people so far including people from foreign countries, according to the address list.
The petition further reads: In the year 2012 some unfortunate events unfolded in Zanskar. Four Buddhist families converted to Islam on the pretext of caste-based discrimination that they alleged, and the same was also informed about, to your Highness by the Minority Community of Zanskar way before this incident occurred, during your last visit to Zanskar.
Ever since 2012, the minority population of Zanskar has been suffering.”
According to the petition there is a Socio-Economic Boycott that is still continuing against the Muslims of Zanskar for something, which was not of their doing. This has been going on for two years. Recently a young Muslim boy has been badly beaten up by a mob, which included even some monks and the boy has faced severe injuries due to which he has been airlifted to Leh for treatment.
Whatever the differences between the two communities, so far no local leader has taken the initiative to sort out problems and to put an end to all the tensions that loom in Zanskar.
The petitioner demands intervention of Dalai Lama and writes: I on behalf of the minority population appeal with a sanguine hope to your highness for a necessary intervention and end to all this. So that the Minorities can feel safe and also we can revive the age old legacy of peaceful and harmonious co-existence.
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