Reach Ladakh : Experience the Richness

Strong opposition against Leh to be venue for music confluence in July
By Rinchen Dolma

Leh, July 3, 2010 The riverside mega confluence at Shey besides the Indus may not take place this time disappointing huge number of music lovers from all over the world including locals who were waiting eagerly for this big musical event scheduled from July 15 to July 17.

The cancellation of Leh as the venue for the confluence was made on the basis of strong objections against it from various quarters including Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Hotel Association, Taxi Association and ALTA who are determined to stop this event from taking place due to the alleged alcohol, drug abuses and other ‘immoral’ acts setting up a bad precedent for local youth who were also seen involved in this whole show in the name of musical confluence last year during the same event.

"We are not going to let any such event or activity happen in the name of westernization that is against Ladakhi culture and moral values and which is not beneficial to promote Ladakhi culture,” said Shri. P T Kunzang, General Secretary, LBA, Leh. In the name of world musical concert last year we have seen that large number of outsiders who had come to attend the event were carrying drugs and under their influence our local youth were involved in drug abuse and alcohol intake openly for three days of the confluence day and night resulting into immoral actions polluting the air and culture of the place,” added P T Kunzang.

“We have made clear our stand to both the council authority and district administration and sought permission from them to stop this event from taking place and we have even officially informed the organizers about our decision a month back. There is no scope for any kind of compromise. We are very adamant on our stand, and the situation could exacerbate into law and order problem if organizers do not listen and continues with their show,” informed P T Kunzang.

On the same CEC, LAHDC, Leh said, “I have made the organizer understand that if they can let the event happen cleanly then they need to talk to the DC, Leh and tie up with him for permission and security arrangements otherwise it is going to create law and order problem and council has nothing to do with it.” However, DC was not available for any statement on it as an office bearer told that he was engaged in a meeting and won’t be available for the next two days as the Vice President of India is scheduled to visit the region.