Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta convened a crucial security review meeting on Thursday, a day after violent clashes left four dead and over 90 injured in Leh. This urgent assembly came amid a shutdown initiated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding greater autonomy and amendments to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
During the meeting, held in Leh, Gupta called for heightened vigilance across the Union Territory. He stressed that the peace and security of Ladakh must be prioritized to uphold the region’s identity, stating, “Peace and harmony are the foundation of Ladakh’s identity. Together, we must protect this legacy and ensure the safety and security of every citizen.”
The LG expressed his commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment during a period of tension, emphasizing the need for inter-agency coordination and proactive measures to safeguard public order. Top officials, including Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal and DGP S D Singh Jamwal, attended the meeting alongside senior officers from the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Gupta pointed out that the well-being of citizens remains the administration’s paramount concern. He instructed officials to implement an effective monitoring system to assess ground conditions continuously. “Ladakh has always been known for its peace, harmony, and brotherhood,” he remarked, while cautioning against divisive actions from anti-social elements. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and not to succumb to provocations.
Further, he advocated for a robust intelligence-gathering infrastructure, community involvement to foster harmony, and preparedness to manage any untoward incidents. “We must maintain peace at all costs,” Gupta reiterated, alluding to the recent unrest.
Highlighting developmental progress, Gupta noted that Ladakh has flourished under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since attaining Union Territory status in 2019. He declared, “Our focus is on building a prosperous, peaceful, and developed Ladakh. No disruptive force will be allowed to derail this progress.”
In response to the recent violence, Gupta assured the people of full government support. “Every life is precious. We are ensuring the best medical care for those injured,” he promised to families affected by the violence.
Following the clashes, medical personnel responded robustly, with 90 injured individuals transported to SNM Hospital in Leh. Among the injured, officials reported that three were dead on arrival and one was later declared deceased. Hospital records indicate that seven patients sustained critical injuries, 20 suffered significant trauma, and 61 presented with minor injuries.
Of the patients admitted, 50 were discharged the same day after receiving treatment. Notably, seven individuals required major surgical procedures, while 45 blood transfusions supported those severely injured. Gupta reported that one critically injured patient was airlifted to New Delhi via an Indian Air Force aircraft for specialized treatment. Currently, 18 patients remain hospitalized, with 11 discharged shortly after.
The LG’s proactive measures extended beyond monitoring the situation. Following his directives, the deputy commissioner of Leh visited SNM Hospital to check on the well-being of the injured and ensure comprehensive assistance for patients and their families.
As tensions remain, community leaders and local authorities stress the importance of unity and collaborative peacekeeping among residents. The administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the unrest, alongside enhancing security protocols, signals a determined effort to restore normalcy in the region.
