The glorious past of Baltistan reflected in its Tibetan architecture.The picture is of 'shing-grong phyagkhang', a 350 years old mosque in Shigar.

By: Sengge Hussnan Balitstan

Riots in Ladakh: Perspective from Baltistan

It is very sad to learn that Muslims and Buddhists of Ladakh got involved in a communal clash recently. Curfew was imposed in Leh and Kargil towns. Latest reports say that both Muslim and Buddhist leaders are moving towards reconciliation after realizing that riots are only destroying Ladakh, both socially and economically.

If we look at the trend of communal rift that has developed from Gilgit and Baltistan across into Ladakh, it could be safely assumed that a small group of people, exploiting the situation at the behest of political circles, are benefiting from religious grouping, that has divided Ladakhis, Baltis and Gilgitis on the line of Shia and Sunni, and Muslim and Buddhist. The communal tension is the product of both internal rifts among communities of different faiths as well as instigated by foreign elements. The Shia Sunni fight in Gilgit restricts locals to unite as 'Gilgiti'. Divided they stand, they fail to achieve socio-economic and political rights, denied to them for the last six decades.

Shia Nurbaxshi and Shia Sunni rift in Baltistan is similar tactic used by agencies to divide Baltis. Conditions that prevail today in Baltistan have destroyed Baltis, while majority of people stay backward and poor forever. Political rights and unification with Ladakh remain only a dream for Baltis, as a divided community will fail to achieve these goals.

In Ladakh, Shia Buddhist, Shia Sunni and Sunni Buddhist rift remains a problem that needs to be solved. Couple of decades ago, Ladakh used to demonstrate solidarity as ‘One Ladakh’. Then came the riots of 1996 and since then, everything has changed for those who still want to live a peaceful life.

Lets analyze how Ladakhi communal riots started last month. It is reported that Buddhists, who form more than 15% of Kargil district's population desire to build a religious center in Kargil town, and Muslims oppose it. Now, this is not a new thing. It has been an issue for some times. So why, right at the beginning of Holy month of Muharram, the riots caught tempo. The proponents of communal grouping reap maximum fruit from exploiting occasions like Muharram. It is also reported that a government employ was provoking local Buddhists of Leh to confront Muslims.

I would also admit that there are many genuine concerns and complaints that both Buddhist and Muslim communities have registered against each other as well as against the government agencies, which have failed to restore normalcy in the region. It is the duty of religious leaders, political institutions and governmental organizations to solve genuine concerns of both communities so that instances like the boycott of 1996 do not happen again.

I do not live in Kargil. Hence, I don’t have the right to say whether Buddhist should be allowed to build religious institutions in Kargil town or not. But I know that Islam teaches acceptance, tolerance and respect for other religions. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never disallowed building - or allowed destroying non Muslim centers in Muslim areas in his control. Similarly, Muslim minorities built their religious centers in non-Muslim areas and it was accepted as sign of religious plurality. Existence of Muslim religious centers in Leh town or Spadum show that Buddhists have remained respectful and tolerant towards Muslims and proved it practically. Such a trend should continue among both factions of the Ladakhi society without a pause.

Since there is no fear that construction of a Buddhist center in Kargil will lead to conversions of Muslims to Buddhism, the only excuse that remains is political. Some political local groups might benefit from this limbo, but they will destroy the Ladakhi culture and society forever, detrimental for the coming generations.

A significant population of Ladakhi Buddhist community has become radicalized in last few years. Tit for tat might be the simple answer, but that is not leading to any positive solution either. By holding the Buddhist teachings of peace and harmony as guiding principles, we can win and not loose.

Muslims should also realize that the word Islam means peace. It doesn’t mean anything else but peace. If you take out the aspect of peacefulness from Islam, the whole religion changes. Actually, the essence of what Muhammad (PBUH) preached for tens of years ie. Hassan and Hussain (PBUH), grandsons of Muhammad (PBUH) accepted martyrdom but refused to perpetuate violence. That is what Muharram is about. HE let his whole family get massacred by Yazid but did not promote violence or wage war on Yazid's army. All HE demanded was to be allowed to leave the country in peace and visit his Father Ali’s (PBUH) shrine. He refused to rule the country and refused to believe or perpetuate expansionism and military escalation.

I am no religious authority to lecture on Islam. However, being a member of civic society, either of Ladakh or Baltistan, I believe that communal rift is destroying us. Muslims can gain respect and social development by becoming more moderate. Moderation doesn’t mean becoming less Islamic. Moderation is what Quran preaches without break. Showing love and acceptance for non Muslims doesn’t make one less Islamic. It actually promotes teachings of Muhammad (PBUH). The message is for Muslims of both Ladakh and Baltistan. There is no political future for Baltis if they reject moderation. Suicide is Haram in Islam. Lack of moderation is leading to destruction of our economic and social stability, which is like committing suicide at a grand scale. Please don’t let negative elements divide and destroy us.