LADAKH observes complete Bandh to protest Bodh Gaya blasts

Leh, July 9, 2013: Ladakh observed complete bandh yesterday. Even all the schools remained closed. The call of Ladakh Bandh was given by Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) to protest against the serial bomb blasts at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya. The bandh was observed throughout length and breadth of whole of Leh district and Zanskar region. Not a single vehicle was seen plying on the roads and all the Monasteries also remained closed.
The tragic incident resulted into complete standstill of Leh city where all the business establishments including shops and restaurants remained closed on Sunday followed by a total bandh for on Monday. Thousands of people thronged into Chowkhang Vihara, the LBA Complex in Leh to attend a meeting held to condemn the barbaric act of anti-social elements in Bodh Gaya.
Dr Tondup Tsewang Chhospa, President, LBA said, “The people of Ladakh particularly the Buddhist community strongly condemn the most cowardice, inhuman and brutal act of the culprits, who are not only enemies of mankind but enemies to the very peaceful existence of the world.”
Prominent Buddhist leaders including leaders of political parties strongly condemned the bomb blasts and demanded immediate action by the state and central government to nab the culprits and bring them to book under law. The meeting followed by a candle march by thousands of people.  
A mammoth rally was taken out from the Chokhang Vihara Leh headed by the LBA Youth Wing and Women’s Wing. All Ladakh Monasteries Association, Travel & Trade Association besides monks, nuns, Councillors, Panchayat members and the Muslim Youth Co-ordination Committee members took part in the rally. It culminated into a public meeting at the historical Polo Ground. The meeting was also attended by Skyabsje Khanpo Rinpoche, Kushok Toldan Rinpochey, presidents of Anjuman Moin Ul Islam and Anjuman Imamia.
Prominent speakers at the meeting included Rigzin Spalbar, Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Thupstan Chhewang, former MP, Tsewang Thinles, Vice President, LBA and Rinchen Namgyal, President, LBA Youth Wing.