LEH: A day after four people were killed and 90 others injured during clashes amid a shutdown in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Thursday chaired a high-level security review meeting and called for heightened vigilance to safeguard peace across the Union Territory.
Reiterating his appeal for unity, Gupta said, “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 shutdown was called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), demanding advancement of talks with the Centre on statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The LG reviewed the emerging security situation with Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, DGP S D Singh Jamwal, senior Army commanders, and ITBP officials. He stressed close coordination between civil and security agencies, strengthening intelligence networks, and ensuring community participation in maintaining harmony.
Highlighting Ladakh’s progress since 2019, Gupta said, “Our focus is on building a prosperous, peaceful, and developed Ladakh. No disruptive force will be allowed to derail this progress.” He assured full government support to the injured and their families, noting that 90 patients were admitted to SNM Hospital, Leh. Of these, four succumbed, seven were critically injured, and 20 suffered major trauma. One critically injured patient was airlifted to New Delhi for advanced treatment.
The LG directed the administration to maintain continuous monitoring, provide the best medical care, and extend all possible assistance to victims’ families. He appealed to the public to avoid violence and uphold Ladakh’s legacy of peace and brotherhood.
