Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Aug 27: The 35th anniversary of Nawang-Dorjay-Stobdan was today observed in Leh town.
In this regard an event was organized by the Ladakh Buddhist Association.
The event was attended by religious leaders, political party leaders and the general public and students.
The day is observed to pay homage to Nawang Rinchen of Sankar village, Tsering Stobdan of Durbuk, and Tsewang Dorjey of Saboo, popularly remembered as ‘Nawang, Dorjay, Stobdan or NDS’.
The programme began with smonlam prayers offered by monks, followed by leaders and attendees presenting khataks (traditional ceremonial scarves) at the Martyrs’ Memorial Chorten and Stupa in Skyatsaks, Leh.
The day also honored Lama Lobzang Tsondus of Likir and Tashi Angchuk of Saspol, who lost their lives on January 24, 1981, in the struggle for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Ladakh.
During the event, family members of the martyrs and those who risked their lives during the 1989 movement were honored with statues of the Buddha.
The speakers spoke about the lasting impact of the martyrs’ sacrifice, which was instrumental in the eventual creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The business establishments across Leh remained closed until the afternoon as a mark of respect.
Jigmet Rafstan, President of the LBA Youth Wing, announced plans to produce a documentary film to capture the stories of the martyrs and Ladakh’s historical struggle for UT status.
The film aims to educate younger generations about the sacrifices that ultimately led to the establishment of the LAHDC and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
A photographic exhibition of the 1989 struggle was also arranged at the NDS Memorial Park on the occasion by LBA.
Among others who attended the event included Tashi Gyalson, CEC of LAHDC Leh, Chering Dorjay Lakrook, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Jigmet Rafstan, President of the LBA Youth Wing; Kunzes Dolma, President of the LBA Women Wing; representatives from Anjuma Immia Leh, Anjuman-Moin-Ul-Islam Leh and former MP Thupstan Chewang.
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