A one-day awareness programme on mediation for public representatives, heads of NGOs, civil society members, educationists, panel lawyers, and PLVs was held on September 22 at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar, Leh.

The event was organized by the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Legal Services Authority.
Brig. (Rtd) Dr. B.D. Mishra, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the programme in the presence of Chief Justice (A) Tashi Rabstan of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, who also chairs the Mediation and Conciliation Committee. Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson; Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the LG; and ADGP Ladakh, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, were among the key dignitaries.

In his address, the LG highlighted Ladakh's long-standing tradition of mediation, where religious and village leaders historically resolved disputes amicably without court intervention. He expressed optimism that initiatives led by the Chief Justice would help establish Ladakh as a litigation-free region, where disputes are resolved through mediation.
Chief Justice (A) Tashi Rabstan, in his special address, underscored the value of combining traditional Ladakhi dispute resolution methods with modern mediation techniques. He emphasized that this blend would benefit not only society at large but also the parties involved in disputes. The Chief Justice also acknowledged the expertise of the resource persons, Veena Ralli and Senior Advocate J.P. Singh, both internationally recognized mediators.

Justice Tashi encouraged participants to absorb the mediation techniques taught during the technical sessions, which were specifically designed for Ladakh's public representatives, as they play a crucial role in maintaining societal bonds in the region. He also stressed the importance of organizing similar programmes at the block level for broader community benefit.

CEC Tashi Gyalson expressed his gratitude to the Chief Justice for organizing the second mediation programme in Ladakh, noting that mediation helps restore community bonds through win-win outcomes while saving time and money for the parties involved.

Veena Ralli, Senior Advocate and Organizing Secretary of Samadhan Delhi, provided an overview of the mediation concept during the session.

Other key attendees included M.K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice; Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary of J&K Legal Services Authority; Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh; Rajender Sapru, Coordinator of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee; Senior Advocate J.P. Singh; Spalzes Angmo, Member Secretary of Ladakh Legal Services Authority; Manoj Parihar, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Leh; and several other dignitaries and public representatives.

Also present were representatives from religious organizations, women's and youth groups, heads of NGOs, village nambardars, para-legal volunteers, and members of the District Court and DLSA Leh.