VoL Desk, December 15: Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) and Ladakh Cultural Foundation (LCF) in a press conference expressed strong disapproval of the PIL filed in the Jammu and Kashmir high court which challenges the use of “Bhoti” for the Ladakhi language.

The organizations emphasized that “Bhoti” is a crucial part of Ladakhi identity, deeply tied to the region’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage. They argued that this legal challenge was an attack on Ladakhi culture and linguistic traditions.

The leaders called for the protection of the Ladakhi language, stressing its importance in preserving the region’s cultural heritage. They expressed concerns that such legal challenges could lead to the erosion of Ladakhi identity, which is strongly linked to the language.

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The organizations urged the Ladakhi community to stand united in defending their cultural and linguistic identity. They emphasized that unity within the community is crucial in protecting Ladakhi traditions from external pressures.

The leaders also highlighted the need for legal protections to preserve Ladakhi culture and language.

The LBA, LGA, and LCF appealed to the government to respect the wishes of the Ladakhi people and to take immediate steps to protect the use of “Bhoti” and the region’s cultural integrity. They asked the authorities to dismiss any efforts that could threaten Ladakhi heritage.

The press conference focused on urging both the government and the people of Ladakh to take proactive steps in defending the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage, as well as pushing for greater autonomy to preserve the unique identity of Ladakh.

Furthermore Tsering Lakrook (president LBA) emphasized that Bhoti is deeply intertwined with the regions Buddhist heritage. Lakrook made it clear that any challenge to the nomenclature is not just an issue of language but a direct attack on the regions cultural and historical fabric.