Ladakh LG Holds Talks with Northern Command Chief Amidst Leh Unrest

Leh witnessed severe unrest on September 24th, stemming from demands for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and statehood. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, leading to a deteriorating situation. In response, General Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, met with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on September 27th. The meeting between Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma and Lieutenant Governor K. Gupta addressed the current state of Leh. Discussions revolved around the overall security environment, the arising challenges within the region, and the need for better collaboration between civilian authorities and the armed forces to preserve peace and stability. Emphasis was placed on preparedness and synergy in managing any unforeseen circumstances. The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the army’s contributions in safeguarding the borders and the populace. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Pratik Sharma affirmed the army’s dedication to upholding the security and unity of the Union Territory. The meeting was also attended by key officials, including GOC 14 Corps, Major General Dalbir Singh, MGGGS Northern Command, and Colonel Vikas Vashisht, Deputy Military Advisor to the Northern Army Commander. The violence led to the death of four individuals, with 59 others injured, including 22 police personnel. Protesters set fire to a BJP office, engaged in stone-pelting, and set a CRPF vehicle on fire, prompting a curfew to re-establish order. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested and relocated to Jodhpur, Rajasthan, under the National Security Act, for allegedly inciting youth during the protests. To ensure safety, internet services were also suspended in Leh.