A day after four people lost their lives and 90 others suffered injuries during clashes in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta convened a high-level security review meeting in Leh on Thursday. He called for heightened vigilance and unity among citizens to uphold peace.
Gupta emphasized, “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 came in response to the unrest triggered by a shutdown initiated by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), aiming to expedite discussions with the Centre about the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and statehood for Ladakh.
The LG’s meeting included key officials like Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, DGP S D Singh Jamwal, and senior army representatives, with a focus on assessing the local security environment. The LG office reiterated the need for seamless inter-agency coordination and proactive measures to maintain public order across the Union Territory.
Addressing the attendees, Gupta outlined the administration’s primary objective: prioritizing citizen safety and well-being. He instructed officials to remain vigilant and develop a robust mechanism for continuous monitoring of the situation on the ground, according to a Raj Bhavan spokesman.
Gupta stressed the importance of collaboration between civil and security agencies in responding swiftly to any challenges faced by the region. He called for improved intelligence-gathering operations and urged community engagement in sustaining harmony within the population.
“Ladakh has always been renowned for its peace, harmony, and brotherhood. However, certain anti-social elements aim to disrupt this atmosphere. I urge the populace not to succumb to such attempts. We must maintain peace at all costs,” Gupta stated emphatically.
The Lieutenant Governor also reflected on the developmental strides Ladakh has taken since becoming a Union Territory in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He declared, “Our focus is on building a prosperous, peaceful, and developed Ladakh. No disruptive force will be permitted to derail this progress.”
In a call for restraint, Gupta encouraged local residents to avoid violence while assuring them of full governmental support. “The government stands firmly with the people of Ladakh. Every life is precious and we are ensuring the best possible medical care for those injured,” he added.
Regarding the emergency medical response to Wednesday’s violence, Gupta provided detailed information. A total of 90 individuals received treatment at SNM Hospital in Leh, where three were brought dead and one pronounced dead on arrival. Out of the injured, seven faced critical injuries, 20 had major trauma, while 61 sustained minor injuries.
Gupta noted that 50 patients were discharged on the same day, while seven underwent major surgeries, and 45 blood transfusions were carried out to manage the medical crisis. He confirmed that a critically injured patient was airlifted to New Delhi for advanced treatment via an Indian Air Force aircraft.
Currently, 18 patients remain hospitalized, with 11 discharged today. The families of the deceased have received their loved ones’ bodies after all legalities were observed. Gupta’s proactive administrative moves focus on ensuring that those affected receive utmost care and assistance.
Following directives from the LG, the deputy commissioner of Leh visited SNM Hospital to check on the injured and confirm that all necessary help is being provided.
