Sir,
As political chatter in Jammu and Kashmir gravitates toward the upcoming Rajya Sabha appointments, another equally consequential matter lies unresolved – the discretionary nomination of five members to the Union Territory’s Legislative Assembly by the Lieutenant Governor. This provision, introduced under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 and reinforced by the 2023 amendments, remains unimplemented to date.
It is in these unfilled seats that the promise of democratic inclusion can be realized – especially for communities whose voices are often drowned by geography and numbers. One such community is the Buddhist population of Paddar, nestled deep in the Kishtwar district. This remote Himalayan valley, famous for its Machail Mata pilgrimage, century-old monasteries, and the fabled sapphire mines, is more than just a cultural treasure; it is home to a heritage-bearing minority that has lived on the margins of political visibility.
Paddar’s Buddhists are a classic example of what scholars term a “macro-minority” – numerically small yet profoundly important in preserving the identity and diversity of the region. Their role in fostering interfaith harmony and maintaining the pluralistic spirit of Jammu and Kashmir has been steadfast, despite the region’s isolation and sparse infrastructure.
If the Lieutenant Governor were to nominate a representative from this community, it would send a message of genuine inclusivity. Examples from other states offer credible precedents: in Sikkim, the Sangha constituency ensures Buddhist monks have legislative representation, safeguarding their cultural and religious interests. Closer home, representation for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community was secured after the 2023 amendments, signalling that constitutional pathways exist to restore marginalised voices in governance.
The logic is straightforward: representation is not ornamental, it is a functional pillar of balanced decision-making. Including a Buddhist nominee from Paddar would strengthen the democratic fabric of the Union Territory, affirming that equity is not confined to large vote banks or politically dominant groups. It would also acknowledge the endurance and contributions of a community that has, for generations, upheld values of peace, national unity, and cultural preservation.
As policymakers and media attention cluster around high-profile Rajya Sabha contests, it is worth remembering that small communities often carry some of the richest traditions and deepest loyalties to the land. Filling the five vacant nominated seats with genuine diversity – and in particular recognising the Buddhists of Paddar – would be a decisive step toward the kind of inclusive governance our democracy promises but too often overlooks.
Rinchan Namgyal
Paddar
The post Give Paddar’s Buddhist a Legislative voice appeared first on Daily Excelsior.