Leh, Ladakh: Leh Police have arrested eight individuals suspected of involvement in organised religious conversion-related activities across Ladakh. The arrests followed credible information regarding alleged proselytisation efforts in various parts of the Union Territory, officials stated on Thursday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that an First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Police Station Leh under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were allegedly involved in recruiting local youth for conversion activities in the Zanskar, Changthang, and Aryan Valley regions.
Authorities stated that the group had reportedly secured a residential property in Skampari, Leh, which they allegedly used to establish offices. These premises are suspected to have been utilized for the translation and dissemination of religious literature, as well as for activities directly linked to religious conversions.
A comprehensive investigation has been initiated by the police to ascertain the full scope and reach of the group’s operations throughout Ladakh. The inquiry is also focused on examining any potential financial transactions and investigating suspected foreign funding links.
Several electronic devices, including laptops, and other relevant materials have been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials have indicated that legal proceedings will be pursued based on the evidence gathered. The public has been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and to avoid disseminating unverified information pertaining to the case.
The issue of religious conversion has historically been a sensitive and politically charged subject in Ladakh. For many years, allegations and counter-allegations concerning conversions were a significant element of the region’s socio-political discourse, frequently contributing to tensions between the predominantly Buddhist Leh district and the largely Muslim Kargil district. These divisions were often attributed, in part, to the conversion debate.
However, the political landscape in the region saw a notable shift following the reorganisation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, which led to the establishment of Ladakh as a distinct Union Territory. Subsequently, public discourse became increasingly dominated by concerns related to constitutional safeguards, land rights, employment protection, and demands for greater political representation. This shift led to a diminished prominence of the conversion debate in regional politics.
The Chenab Times News Desk