Demanding an inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution and opening of Kailash Mansarovar route via Ladakh, Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association of Ladakh called a press conference on December 1 at Press Club Leh. 

 

Tashi Targais, President, HBCA said, “It has been 28 years long demanding Bhoti language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution. People of the Himalayas stood with Indian Army during wars to protect motherland but sadly, the government turns deaf ears to all our genuine demands”.

 

“Government claims that development has taken place in Ladakh but no actual development can be seen on the ground. The Zojila tunnel initiative is not for the people of Ladakh but for the defense purpose, actually.  Several other projects have been launched where it is said crores of rupees have been invested but the outcome is nil”, he alleged.

 

Talking about MP Thupstan Chhewang resignation, he said, “It is disheartening to learn that Thupstan Chhewang has resigned from the post of MP due to delay in fulfilling our demands by centre government." 

 

Tsewang Dorje, Director, HBCA said, “Demand for Bhoti language recognition is not only for Ladakh but for the other Himalayan regions. In 2008 -2009, Central Institute of Indian Language conducted a survey on Bhoti language in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The report was  submitted to the central government with a clear recommendation to recognize Bhoti as a language but still, the government did not act upon it.”

 

All the members of the Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association were present during the conference.