MUMBAI: With just a couple of days left for its commencement, one of the nation’s largest eco-friendly music festivals, The Ladakh Confluence has been called off causing obvious dissatisfaction amongst those who were to attend it as well as the music lovers.
Opposition from the local parties, the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA) and the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) who allege that the Confluence promotes Drugs, western culture and rocking music… is cited as the main reason for the cancellation.
Organisers though refute the allegations.”Our efforts to clarify have been ignored, as have the facts that the confluence is planned to be drug free, has declined generous sponsorships from alcohol companies, highlights and showcases Ladakhi culture and music, and that the music at the Confluence is folk and percussion from India and the world,” its official website quoted.
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The website also reports that “threats of physical violence have been made against the organisers and their families, as well as against the partners” resulting in several supporters distancing themselves….
It further mentions that the state Tourism Minister Rigzen Jora, who had earlier constantly assured his support has bowed down to the pressure from these groups. The organisers reason the lack of government support for its inability to hold the confluence.
The website also states that it will not be able to immediately refund ticket holders. Requesting support from the J&K Government, the organisers have filed a petition asking the government to reimburse the ticket money of those who were slated to attend the festival.
