Representatives of the Buddhist and Muslim communities in Zanskar in the far northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir recently signed a pledge of peace and religious harmony in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, vowing to bring an end to communal tensions that have plagued communities in the mountainous region for decades. His holiness described the landark step toward resolving the longstanding conflict during his visit to the Himalayan region as a major achievement.

“Friendship and harmony between different faiths are of fundamental importance,” the 83-year-old spiritual leader was quoted as saying. “The followers of different faiths must follow and practice the advice of their own teachers.” (Tibetan Review)

The community representatives presented their pledge to the Dalai Lama after he had concluded conferring the Avalokiteshvara empowerment during his visit to the Ladakh Division of Jammu and Kashmir late last month. His Holiness praised both communities for their efforts toward establishing interfaith harmony.

The head of the Muslim delegation, identified in media reports only as Gulam, lauded the Dalai Lama for his intervention, noting that a Peace Committee of six representatives from both religious communities had been established: “We owe it completely to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision and compassion for enabling us to reach this milestone. We remain forever indebted.” (Phayul.com)

Tensions between Buddhist and Muslim communities in the region have resulted in social boycotts that have negatively impacted both communities as well as the local economy, coupled with intermittent eruptions of deadly violence.

“We wanted an audience with the Dalai Lama to talk about our continuous social boycott. Ending of the boycott has not yet trickled down to the ground,” Gulam observed. “The sentiment has definitely diluted. The two communities are openly interacting again, but it will take some more time for the communal vibes to die down.” (Sunday Guardian Live)

According to national census data for 2011, of the two districts that make up Ladakh Division, Kargil is a Muslim-majority district with Buddhists accounting for less than 15 per cent of the local population, while Muslims represent more than 76 per cent. In neighboring Leh District, Buddhist are a majority of 66.4 per cent, followed by Hindus at 17.1 per cent, and Muslims at 14.3 per cent.

His Holiness also urged an end to discrimination against peoples and communities based perceptions of caste, reminding the audience of an occasion when he had deliberately requested to be given tea offered by members of an “outcast” community in India. “The Buddha taught us that caste and clan are not important, what is important is your practice, your action, your deeds,” he emphasized. (Republic)