Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Ladakh LG Assess Security Situation Following Leh Unrest

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, met with Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday to assess the situation in Leh following violent incidents earlier in the week.

On September 24, four civilians lost their lives in police firing, and approximately 90 individuals sustained injuries amid clashes involving youth-led mobs engaging in arson and stone-pelting. The violence intensified after two hunger-strikers' health conditions worsened. The protestors, under the leadership of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, have been advocating for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The unrest also saw the setting ablaze of the BJP office in Leh.

The dialogue between the Northern Army Commander and the LG occurred a day after Sonam Wangchuk's arrest under the National Security Act (NSA).

Officials reported that the meeting concentrated on the security landscape, emerging challenges in the Union Territory, and the necessity for coordination between the civil administration and armed forces to sustain peace and stability. Both parties emphasized the need for preparedness and cooperation to address any potential issues.

The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the Army’s contribution to border security and public safety, while Lieutenant General Sharma reiterated the Army's dedication to maintaining the security and integrity of Ladakh.

The meeting was attended by key figures including Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, GOC Fire & Fury Corps, Major General Dalbir Singh, MGGS Northern Command, and Colonel Vikas Vasisht, Deputy Military Advisor to the Northern Army Commander.