Ladakh has observed the first Martyrs Day today, after becoming a Union Territory. In a low key programme organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, at Martyrs Memorial in Leh, senior leaders of various political parties paid homage to martyrs who laid down their lives in the agitations for Scheduled Tribes status, and Union Territory status to Ladakh.<br />'' <br />''Late Venerable Lobzang Tsondus and Tashi Angchuk on 24th January in 1981 for ST status and Nawang Rinchen, Tsewang Dorjey and Tsering Stobdan for the cause of Union Territory status for Ladakh have made supreme sacrifice in the agitations on August 27th of 1989.<br />'' <br />''Leh Hill Council Chief Executive Councillor Gyal P Wangyal, former MP Thupstan Chewang, former Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora, LBA President PT Kunzang, LGA President Geshe Shedup Chamba,  BJP Leaders Dorjay Angchuk, Samstan, Congress leaders Tsering Namgyal, LBA Women's Wing, Youth Wings also have participated in the martyrs day programme.<br />'' <br />''Speaking on the occasion, LBA President PT KUnzang said that the sacrifices made by the martyrs have brought UT status to Ladakh and ST status. These two are beneficial to each and every Ladakhi. However, LBA continues to pursue constitutional protections for Land and Jobs in Ladakh. He appealed to all religious and political groups under one umbrella to achieve constitutional protections. Leaders have offered prayers and traditional Khataks to the martyrs at the memorial.<br />