Massive protests continue in the Ladakh region in support of Buddhist religious leader Dalai Lama. Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and Ladakh Gumpa Association (LGA) called for a bandh on Monday in support of the beleaguered spiritual leader. Protest marches are being held in all major towns of the region, including Leh and Kargil today. 


Spearheaded by the local BJP unit, members of the local Buddhist community in collaboration with the Tibetan community and other religious organisations organised a peaceful march in Kargil today in support of the Dalai Lama. The rally was attended by men, women, and school children as well as Buddhist monks from across the district. 


The protesters alleged that under a conspiracy first a doctored video of Dalai Lama was made viral and after that many statements were issued to defame the spiritual leader. 


"The statements that have been made against our beloved holiness have hurt our hearts and we are here to protest and also show our support," said one protester.


The protesters also condemned the conspiracy to defame Dalai Lama and extended support to him, requesting him to continue spreading peace, love, and compassion.


With the foreign media highlighting the issue, the local Buddhist population feels hurt and is demanding an end to the disrespect to the spiritual leader, locals say.   


 



Photo: Asif Qureshi


Dalai Lama's Apology After Row Over Video


A purported video went viral on social media showing Dalai Lama asking the boy to “suck his tongue” which caused a stir on social media. The video was widely shared on social media with people criticising the spiritual leader for this act. 


Following the backlash, a statement was issued from the top Buddhist leader’s team stating that he apologised for his actions and that “he meets in an innocent and playful way”. 


“A video clip has been circulating that shows a recent meeting when a young boy asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama if he could give him a hug. His Holiness wishes to apologise to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused,” the statement read. 


“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident,” it added. 


More On It: Dalai Lama Apologises After ‘Suck His Tongue’ Viral Video Draws Flak