Expressing grief and shocked over the sudden demise of Dr. Sonam Dawa, Chief Executive Councillor, Leh all business establishments remained shut for the whole day on January 30 in Leh.

Dr. Sonam Dawa was reportedly died on January 29 at his residence due to cardiac arrest. 

All department of Leh district observed condolence meeting and expressed sympathies with the bereaved family members in their hour of grief and prayed for peace to the departed soul. Press Club Leh members also gathered at their office and paid tribute to Late Dr. Sonam Dawa. 

On January 30, Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner, Leh issued an order declaring January 31 as a holiday. All the government institution and offices remained closed on the day. She further issued an order that all national flags will continue to fly at half mast and no government function and celebration will take place until February 6. While on the other hand, State government has decided that the state mourning shall be observed from January 30 to February 1.

A candlelight march was also organised by Ladakh Buddhist Association from Leh Gate to Chowkhang Vihara, Leh on January 30. Lead by His Eminence Khamtak Rinpoche, thousands of people including all stakeholders, political, religious heads and general masses joined the march to pay tribute to the departed soul. 

H.E Khamtak Rinpoche expressed condolences and said that though living and dying is a part of life and no one is able to live permanently in this world but sudden demise of Dr. Dawa shocked us.  Only prayers are the need of time at this moment to offer as much as possible rather than grieving and being tensed for the loss. 

BJP, Leh called a condolence meeting to pay tribute to the departed soul and observed a two-minute silence at their party office.  Executive Councillors, Councillors, Mandal Presidents and party workers were present.

Tsewang Gonbo, President BJP, Leh expressing grief over the sudden loss of a great leader of BJP party, said, “Dr. Dawa was a man who always wants to work for the welfare of society and to develop the underprivileged people. He was a leader who was against corruption and having such quality in politics is not possible. With the sudden demise of CEC, there came a big flaw in the politics of Ladakh and this will take a long way to fill the gap.”

While asking about the election of new CEC, Gonbo said, “At present, we are in shock and cannot decide what to do but we are going to plan, the committee from the state will come and decide.”     

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, President, Central Tibetan Administration also expressed his condolences saying, “We are extremely saddened by the news of sudden demise of Dr. Sonam Dawa. I hereby convey my deepest condolence to your family on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan people at large”.

Recalling the contribution of Late Dr. Sonam Dawa in the development of Ladakh region, Gyal P. Wangyal Councillor Sakti constituency expressed deep sorrow and said, “In the past fifteen years, I have worked with three different CECs but haven’t seen a man with a vision like him. His achievement during his tenure in the district can be seen.”

Dorjay Motup, EC and Tsewang Tundup, State Vice President also spoke on the occasion. All the speakers termed Late Dr. Sonam Dawa a reformer and said that under his leadership, Leh district has made impressive progress in infrastructure development and transparency in governmental setups.  

   

Meanwhile, during candlelight march PT Kunzang, Vice President LBA and Shatup Chamba, LGA, President also spoke on the occasion.

All the speakers expressed condolence and sad on the untimely death of the honest, dynamic and dedicated leader as an irreparable loss for the whole Ladakh. They said that he was known for his straightforwardness and honest nature.

While asking about the legal position on CEC post, Avny Lavasa, DC Leh said, “According to LAHDC Act, after 30 days of the occurred vacancy in the office of the CEC, the Council will elect new CEC as per the election procedure laid down under the law. We are going to hold election proceedings for CEC after the funeral and at the same time there will be an election in his constituency also.” 

Rigzin Spalbar Former CEC, Leh also expressed his condolence and said that with the sudden demise of Dr. Dawa it came as a jolt to Leh in particular and Ladakh in general. He also termed Dr. Dawa as an astute administrator and a bold political figure.

The state government mourns his demise for three days and observed January 31 as a state holiday. The funeral will be carried out on February