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By India Today News Desk: Ladakh was shut down on Monday as residents took out a peace march to extend support to the Dalai Lama after the spiritual leader was slammed for a viral video in which he was seen kissing a boy and asking him to suck his tongue.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and Ladakh Gumpa Association (LGA) called for a bandh on Monday over the viral video. They claimed that this was done to tarnish the spiritual leader’s image.
Recently, a video went viral in which the Dalai Lama was seen kissing a child and then asked him to “suck my tongue” at an event.
In a statement, the office of the Dalai Lama said he “wishes to apologize to the boy and his family, as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused,” adding he “regrets” the incident.
ALSO READ | Dalai Lama apologises after ‘suck my tongue’ comment sparks row
“His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras,” the statement said.
Peaceful protest marches were held in all major towns of the region, including Leh and Kargil. The protesters demanded an apology from those, including mediapersons, who “maligned the image of the Dalai Lama”.
In a statement, Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal mentioned, “In the midst of the conflict and divisive rhetoric that plague our world, His Holiness’ message of compassion, love and empathy is more relevant than ever.”
Thupstan Chhewang, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, said, “Emergency services and students going to appear in exams, if any, will not be disturbed by anyone. Also, I request everyone, including the government officials, to observe the protest,” he said.
ALSO READ | Dalai Lama video with boy ‘tailored’, pro-Chinese sources initial instigators: Tibetan body head
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