A day after four people died and 90 others sustained injuries in violent clashes during a shutdown in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta convened a high-level security review meeting in Leh on Thursday. He emphasized the urgent need for heightened vigilance to ensure the safety and security of residents.
During the meeting, Gupta stated, “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.” His remarks resonate with the sentiments of many residents amid rising tensions.
The shutdown arose from demands by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) for advancing discussions with the Centre regarding the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the statehood of Ladakh. This unrest reflects deeper socio-political concerns that merit serious attention from all stakeholders.
The LG’s office reported Gupta’s call for robust inter-agency coordination and proactive measures to safeguard public order across the Union Territory. He reassured, “The safety and well-being of citizens remain the top priority of the administration.”
In attendance were senior officials including Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal and DGP S. D. Singh Jamwal, along with representatives from the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). These agencies play a critical role in maintaining peace in the region.
During discussions, Gupta stressed the importance of community engagement in monitoring and responding to security challenges. “Ladakh has always been known for its peace, harmony, and brotherhood,” he said, urging local residents to resist divisive forces.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Gupta remarked, “Our focus is on building a prosperous, peaceful, and developed Ladakh. No disruptive force will be allowed to derail this progress.” His vision aligns with national efforts aimed at fostering stability and development post-2019, when Ladakh became a Union Territory.
The LG’s appeal to the public emphasized the need for non-violence, promising that the government would provide necessary support. “Every life is precious, and we are ensuring the best possible medical care for those injured,” he asserted, signaling a compassionate approach to governance.
Following Wednesday’s violence, the administration provided an update about the injured. Gupta reported that a total of 90 patients were admitted to SNM Hospital in Leh. Among those injured, three were deceased upon arrival, while one individual was declared dead shortly thereafter.
Of the hospitalizations, seven patients faced critical injuries, with 20 suffering major trauma and 61 sustaining minor injuries. Gupta noted that “50 patients were discharged the same day, and seven underwent major surgeries, alongside 45 blood transfusions.”
In a proactive move, Gupta shared that one critically injured patient was airlifted to New Delhi for advanced treatment on Thursday. Currently, 18 patients remain hospitalized, while the families of the deceased have received their loved ones’ bodies following the completion of legal procedures.
In line with Gupta’s direction, the Deputy Commissioner of Leh visited SNM Hospital to check on the injured and ensure that support measures were effectively implemented. This act highlights the administration’s commitment to both accountability and community welfare in turbulent times.
As the administration prepares for potential further unrest, the call for unity and peaceful discourse remains paramount for the people of Ladakh. With the eyes of the nation on this region, the coming days will be crucial for both local communities and governmental responses to safeguard Ladakh’s cherished harmony.
