A day after violence erupted in Ladakh, resulting in four fatalities and over 90 injuries, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta convened a crucial security review meeting in Leh on Thursday. The meeting underscored the urgent need for heightened vigilance to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Gupta reiterated his commitment to retaining harmony, 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 Lieutenant Governor’s statements came in the wake of a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body, advocating for urgent talks with the Centre regarding the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the demand for statehood for Ladakh.
During the high-level security review, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of seamless cooperation among various security agencies. He highlighted the crucial role of proactive measures to ensure public safety and order throughout the Union Territory.
The LG office noted that the meeting included Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, DGP S D Singh Jamwal, and senior officers from the Army and ITBP. Gupta asserted that safeguarding citizens’ well-being remains the administration’s top priority, calling for a robust mechanism to continuously monitor the situation on the ground.
He stressed the need for collaboration between civil and security agencies, aiming for a rapid response to any potential challenges. Gupta also advocated for strengthening intelligence-gathering networks and enhancing community engagement to uphold peace and harmony.
“Ladakh has always been known for its peace, harmony, and brotherhood. However, certain anti-social elements are trying to disrupt this atmosphere. I urge the people not to fall prey to such attempts. We must maintain peace at all costs,” Gupta warned.
In his remarks, Gupta highlighted the remarkable developmental progress witnessed in Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He indicated that the administration aims to build a prosperous and peaceful Ladakh, stating, “No disruptive force will be allowed to derail this progress.”
During the meeting, he assured full governmental support to the affected community, saying, “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.”
Providing an update on medical efforts following the recent turmoil, Gupta reported that 90 individuals were admitted to SNM Hospital in Leh, where medical teams worked diligently to treat their injuries. He recounted that three people were unfortunately declared dead upon arrival, while one patient succumbed shortly after.
Among the injured, seven suffered critical injuries, 20 reported major trauma, and 61 experienced minor injuries. Gupta noted that while 50 patients received discharge the same day, several were operated on, and numerous blood transfusions were performed to alleviate the situation.
“Today, one critically injured patient was airlifted to New Delhi for advanced treatment through an Indian Air Force aircraft. Currently, 18 patients remain under medical care, while 11 more were discharged from the hospital,” Gupta confirmed. He also reported that the bodies of the deceased have been returned to their families following the necessary legal procedures.
Following directives from the Lieutenant Governor, the Deputy Commissioner of Leh visited SNM Hospital to assess the conditions of those injured and ensure that every possible assistance is being provided to the patients and their families, as stated by the Raj Bhavan spokesman. The administration aims to restore calm and provide reassurance to the residents of Ladakh during these trying times.
