Minutes of the Meeting, 3rd UT-Level Coordination Committee on 04th April,2026

Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT of Ladakh, chaired a 3rd UT-Level Coordination Committee on 04th April,2026 at 11:00 AM in Dharma Centre, Choglamsar, Leh regarding ‘Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathagata Buddha’.

The following UT Level Coordination Committee members attended the meeting:

Officials:

1. Sh. Mukesh Singh, IPS, Director General of Police, UT Ladakh.
2. Smt. Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Higher Education.
3. Sh. Romil Singh Donk, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Leh.
4. Sh. Mukul Beniwal, IAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh.
5. Sh. Jigmet Takpa, IFS (Retd.), Nodal Officer for Sacred Exposition of Holy Relics.
6. Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa.
7. Sh. Tsering Paldan (JKAS), Director, Tourism and Culture Department.
8. Sh. Rigzin Spalgon (JKAS), Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Leh.
9. Representative from ITBP, NWF.

Non-Officials:

1. His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche.
2. Sh. Thupstan Chhewang, Former MP Ladakh.
3. Sh. Tsering Dorjey Lakrook, President, Ladakh Buddhist Association.
4. Ven. Dorjey Stanzin, President, Ladakh Gonpa Association.
5. Sh. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Former MP Ladakh.
6. Sh. Tashi Dhondup, Chief Representative Officer, Sonamling Tibetan Settlement.
7. Ven. Bikku Sangha Sena, Founding Director, MIMC.
8. Sh. Tashi Namgyal, Founding Director, Flowering Dharma.
9. Representatives from various Monastries.

Following detailed deliberations, the following decisions and action points were discussed     :

1. Shri Ashish Kundra (IAS), Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh: The Chair emphasized coordinated preparedness, including smooth arrival and procession of the Holy Relics, security, crowd and queue management, scheduling, and visitor facilitation. He approved inviting international delegations, artists, and Ambassadors, with UT support limited to travel from Delhi to Leh and accommodation. Additional veneration beyond the programme, especially after return from Zanskar, may be allowed in a limited and dignified manner, preferably for monks and nuns, subject to ASL approval. LGA and His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche were directed to arrange a ritual cascade from Hemis Monastery as backup.

2. Sh. Jigmet Takpa, Nodal Officer: Proposed inviting international delegations, artists, and Ambassadors to enhance global outreach and cultural exchange. Also highlighted the need for logistical support for their travel and stay. The proposal was acknowledged and partially accepted by the Chair with defined limitations.

3. His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche: Highlighted queue management during public veneration as the most critical and sensitive aspect requiring immediate attention. Supported inclusion of a sacred CHÖD performance by Druk Pema Karpo School. Requested issuance of formal communication to the institution as per protocol.
4. Sh. Tashi Namgyal, Director, Flowering Dharma: Proposed utilizing the two-day window after return from Zanskar (13th onwards) for additional controlled public veneration at select venues. Emphasized planning in consultation with stakeholders to avoid disruption of the main programme. Also suggested requesting a cascade from Hemis Gonpa as backup.
5. Sh. Tsering Dorjey, Lakrook President, LBA: stated that volunteers may be provided by the LBA, who will be equipped with uniform jackets. He requested that the IGP may verify the volunteers, if required. He also requested that identity cards be issued to the volunteers during the exposition of the event.
6. Ven. Dorjey Stanzin, President, LGA: Supported additional veneration opportunities and proposed the Holy Relics will be placed at the Dharma Centre after their return from Zanskar, for a dedicated programme subject to approval Advance Security Liaison Team by the Ministry of Culture’s.
7. Sh. Thupstan Chhewang, Former MP: Expressed appreciation and gratitude to all stakeholders for their collective efforts in bringing the Sacred Relics to Ladakh. Acknowledged the spiritual, cultural, and historical significance of the event for the region and its people.