Love Jihad In Ladakh? Buddhists Accuse Muslims Of Forced Conversions, Luring Girls By Deception

Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) have flagged the rising number of cases of forcible conversions of Buddhist women by Muslim men, threatening to launch an agitation if the Jammu and Kashmir government doesn't take immediate steps to curb down the trend in the region, Indiatimes has reported.

Discord in the region had been simmering for quite some time, with members of the Buddhist community claiming that the Muslims have forcefully converted at least 97 girls to Islam through wedlock. However, tensions rose dramatically following the marriage of a Buddhist girl named Stanzin Saldon of Leh with Murtaza Agha of Kargil. Although the girl has asserted that she converted to Islam willingly, the Buddhist stress that her consent was obtained through coercion.

“In the recent past, Buddhist families and young girls have been lured by the Muslim community in various parts of Ladakh, forcing them to embrace the Islamic fold,” a memorandum sent by the LBA to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti read.

“Young girls are being lured by Muslims to marry and finally convert them to Muslim (Islam),” LBA’s memorandum adds, saying, “Many such cases have been attempted by Muslim boys from the past many years which has generated widespread anger and resentment all over Ladakh”. The LBA is also planning to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss the issue of forced conversions.

LBA General Secretary PT Kunzang has said that his community can’t tolerate it any more and “thus have put the government on notice. Failing to act will strain the communal harmony of the region,” he adds.

Members of the community have accused Muslim men of posing as Buddhists and luring girls. While Buddhists comprise little over 51 per cent of Ladakh's population, Muslim constitute around 49 per cent.