Ladakh protest: LG reviews security situation in Leh, calls for heightened vigilance

Ladakh Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta chairs a high-level security review meeting to assess the situation across Ladakh. Pic/PTI

While the situation in Ladakh seems to be extremely concerning amid the ongoing protest, four people were killed and more than 80 others were injured. The incident happened during the widespread clashes amid the shutdown in Ladakh.

In view of taking the situation under control, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday chaired a security review meeting in Leh. While chairing the meeting, Gupta called for heightened vigilance to safeguard peace across the Union territory, as reported by news agency PTI.

The shutdown and protest was called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in support of their demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and statehood to Ladakh.

While posting on social media platform X, the lieutenant governor's office said, "A high-level security review meeting to assess the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, and public order across the UT," as per PTI.

Officials from Ladakh further said that senior officers from the police, CRPF and civil administration attended the meeting and discussed in detail the prevailing law and order situation in the region.

Hundreds of protesters supporting the movement for statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Wednesday. As reported by news agency PTI, the protest soon intensified, and the people set the BJP office in Leh and several vehicles on fire. This incident prompted the authorities to clamp a curfew on the town and its adjoining areas.

Moreover, the Centre alleged the mob violence was guided by the "provocative statements" of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The Modi-led party also indicated that certain "politically motivated" individuals were not happy with the progress made in the ongoing talks between the representatives of the government and Ladakhi groups.

On the other hand, the climate activist, who was leading a hunger strike in Leh over the twin demands, called off his hunger strike after the violence on Wednesday and urged people to restore peace across Ladakh, as per PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)