In a significant meeting on Saturday, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, engaged with Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to assess the current situation in Leh, which has been marked by unrest following violent clashes earlier this week.
The unrest erupted on September 24, when police firing resulted in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to approximately 90 others. The chaos was primarily driven by mobs of youth participating in stone-pelting and arson in response to the deteriorating health condition of two hunger-strikers. These protesters, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, are calling for statehood for Ladakh and its entry into the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides for greater autonomy and self-governance. The unrest also saw the BJP office in Leh set ablaze amid the turmoil.
This meeting took place shortly after Wangchuk’s arrest under the National Security Act (NSA), an action that has drawn significant attention and concern from various quarters.
During discussions, both the military and civil leadership highlighted the need for close coordination between the armed forces and civil administration. Emphasis was placed on an overall assessment of the security landscape, emerging challenges in the Union Territory, and the importance of preparedness to handle any eventualities that may arise.
Lieutenant Governor Gupta expressed appreciation for the Army’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the borders and ensure the safety of the public. In turn, Lieutenant General Sharma reiterated the Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the security and territorial integrity of Ladakh.
Key figures present at the meeting included Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, GOC Fire & Fury Corps, Major General Dalbir Singh from the Northern Command, and Colonel Vikas Vasisht, Deputy Military Advisor to the Northern Army Commander. The collaboration aims to restore peace and stability in a region currently grappling with political and social tensions.
