The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Saturday met Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to review the prevailing situation in Leh following violent clashes earlier this week.
On September 24, four civilians were killed in police firing and around 90 others injured after mobs, largely comprising youth, indulged in arson and stone-pelting. The violence escalated after the health condition of two hunger-strikers deteriorated. The protesters, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, have been demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The BJP office in Leh was also set ablaze during the unrest.
The meeting between the Northern Army Commander and the LG came a day after Wangchuk’s arrest under the National Security Act (NSA).
Officials said the discussions focused on the overall security scenario, emerging challenges in the Union Territory, and the importance of coordination between civil administration and the armed forces to maintain peace and stability. Both sides stressed preparedness and synergy to deal with any contingency.
The Lt Governor appreciated the Army’s role in safeguarding borders and ensuring public safety, while Lt Gen Sharma reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to Ladakh’s security and integrity.
Those present at the meeting included 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.
