Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Monday criticised the Central Government for its failure to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, ahead of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s state visit to India from October 13 to 16.
In an X post, Ramesh highlighted the contributions of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist lama and former Indian Ambassador to Mongolia, while alleging that the ruling party has reneged on its 2020 election manifesto promise to grant Sixth Schedule constitutional protection to Ladakh.
He wrote, “The President of Mongolia arrives in New Delhi today, accompanied by a high-powered delegation... The 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche's Ladakh now desperately awaits a healing touch from the nation, but most of all by the leadership of a party that promised Sixth Schedule Constitutional protection in its manifesto for the local hill council elections in 2020, but is now, as the ruling party, refusing to fulfil that promise.”
Ramesh emphasised the significant role played by the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in strengthening India-Mongolia relations, noting that his appointment as India’s Ambassador to Mongolia in October 1989 was a “turning point” in bilateral ties. He wrote, “Diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia go back to December 1955.
India played an important role in Mongolia's joining the UN in October 1961. The turning point in the relationship was Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's inspired appointment of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in October 1989 as India's Ambassador to Mongolia. He took over in January 1990. He was a highly revered Buddhist monk and public figure of Ladakh and served for an unusual ten years as Ambassador.”
Ramesh further recalled that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh renamed the Leh Airport after the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche on June 10, 2005, recognising his contributions. He stated, “He played a key role in helping Mongolia rediscover and celebrate its Buddhist heritage after the collapse of communism there in 1990 itself. He remains an iconic figure in Mongolia.
Also Read: Jairam Ramesh criticises RS deputy chair for ignoring key rulings
On June 10, 2005, the Leh Airport was renamed after the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who hailed him as the ‘architect of modern Ladakh.’ The revival of Buddhism - not just in Mongolia and the erstwhile USSR - but also in India itself owes much to him.”
The Ministry of External Affairs announced that Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa will visit India from October 13 to 16, at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. This marks Ukhnaa’s first visit to India as Mongolia’s Head of State. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officials, business leaders, and cultural representatives.
Meanwhile, Ladakh has witnessed protests demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, which escalated into violence on September 24, resulting in police action that led to the deaths of four individuals. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike during the protests, has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following the violent unrest.
Also Read: Jairam Ramesh says nation awaits Dhankhar to break silence
Follow us
