Shia community in UT of Ladakh enjoys religious freedom, equal rights

Jul 28, 2020

Leh/Kargil (Ladakh), Jul 28 (ANI): Leh is the joint capital and largest town of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Mahayana Buddhist majority town also has a large Shia Muslim population. They freely practice the religion and celebrate all festivals. Before the abrogation of Article 370 last year, Shias were in minority and Sunnis were in majority. All the festival holidays were observed as per Sunni traditions. Since Ladakh become a Union Territory, Shias become a majority community. They enjoy equal rights and face no religious discrimination. Kargil being the joint capital is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh. It has over 80 per cent Shia Muslim population. Amid Covid-19 outbreak, UT of Ladakh is witnessing rapid development. New roads, hydro & solar power projects and Ladakh Central University will be set up. Five new tourist circuits and tracks for tourists and mountaineers will also be developed. The people of UT of Ladakh now enjoy the same rights. And will be equal partners in the country’s development.