Tourism Body Calls for Unity and Peace Restoration in Ladakh Following Recent Violence

A group of hotel owners and related businesses in Ladakh has called for unity among residents and the government to restore peace and protect the delicate environment of the Himalayan region. The All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA) also demanded a judicial investigation into the deaths of four individuals during violent clashes in Leh on September 24.

The tourism sector in Ladakh has faced significant challenges this year. "The season began with a sharp 50 per cent decline in tourist arrivals following the unfortunate Pahalgam incident, and was further disrupted by the unprecedented rains here and in neighbouring states. Now, with this recent tragedy, the crisis has deepened," stated Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, president of ALHGHA.

Tourism's Vital Role in Ladakh

Lachic emphasised that tourism is crucial for Ladakh's economy, supporting various stakeholders like hotels, guest houses, homestays, cafés, restaurants, taxis, and bike rentals. These businesses are not just individual ventures but represent the livelihoods of a large portion of the population. Many have started from scratch with substantial bank loans and now face severe financial pressure.

The association stressed the need for urgent government attention to address this economic crisis. "Most have built their businesses from scratch with heavy bank loans, and today they stand under immense financial stress. It is therefore imperative that the scale of this economic crisis be taken into account with utmost seriousness by the government," Lachic added.

Call for Peace and Safeguards

The association expressed hope for a swift return to peace and urged collaboration between Ladakh's people and the government to achieve this goal. "We unequivocally support the peoples demand for safeguards because protecting our land and our rights is inseparable from protecting our livelihoods," Lachic stated.

Lachic warned that continuing current processes without comprehensive consultations could harm both ecology and culture, threatening long-standing harmony between people and nature. She highlighted the importance of celebrating Ladakh's diverse cultures across its regions while ensuring their protection.

Embracing Diversity and Local Involvement

Lachic advocated for decentralising and strengthening Ladakh's local economy by involving communities actively. "At the same time, it is essential to let diversity flourish, to decentralise and strengthen the local economy, and to create more space for the active involvement of local communities," she said.

She pointed out that Ladakh's unique landscape, climate, and culture require a bottom-up policy approach that includes local voices and traditional knowledge systems in development plans. "This reality does not just call for, but demands, a bottom-up approach to policy: one that ensures the meaningful involvement of local voices and integrates our traditional knowledge systems and indigenous practices into all development plans," she noted.

Judicial Inquiry Demand

Demanding a judicial probe into the September 24 incident, Lachic remarked that it disrupted Ladakh's peace and deeply affected its people. The association hopes for justice through an inquiry into these events to help heal the community's collective wound.

The association remains committed to working towards restoring peace while safeguarding Ladakh's environment and cultural heritage. They believe that collaborative efforts can lead to sustainable development that respects both nature and local traditions.

With inputs from PTI