LG Kavinder Gupta directs gradual lifting of restrictions in Ladakh

Srinagar: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today directed authorities to progressively lift the remaining restrictions and ensure the swift resumption of all normal activities, two weeks after prohibitory orders were clamped following violence over the demand for statehood and constitutional protection in the union Territory.
Four people were killed and dozens injured in the September 24 violence, prompting the imposition of curfews and prohibitory orders across Leh and parts of Kargil.
The LG chaired a high-level meeting to review the current situation in the union Territory and the improvement in the state of affairs.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Director General of Police Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, IG CRPF Pawan Kumar Sharma and senior officers.
An official spokesman said the officers briefed the Lt Governor on the overall law and order scenario across the union Territory. They further briefed on the latest developments, including the phased reopening of schools, colleges, markets, and other public institutions across Ladakh.
Expressing satisfaction over the steady return of normalcy, the Lt Governor lauded the resilience, maturity, and cooperation of the people of Ladakh in maintaining peace and harmony.
He said the reopening of educational institutions and markets is a positive indicator of the public’s trust in the Administration’s measures aimed at restoring normal life.
In view of the encouraging public response and overall improvement in the situation, the Lt Governor directed the concerned authorities to gradually lift the remaining restrictions at the earliest and ensure that all normal activities are resumed at the earliest.
He emphasised that the relaxation process should be carried out in a phased and coordinated manner to safeguard public safety while facilitating smooth movement and economic activity.
The Lt Governor appealed to the people, especially the youth, to continue exercising restraint and not to be swayed by any attempts to disrupt peace or communal harmony.
“The progress of Ladakh depends on peace and stability. Every citizen has a role in upholding the values of unity and mutual respect,” he said.
Reiterating the Administration’s firm commitment to the welfare of the people, Gupta assured that all necessary steps are being taken to address public grievances, strengthen local governance, and accelerate ongoing development projects.
He reaffirmed that the UT Administration remains dedicated to making Ladakh a model of peace, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, in a separate development the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh today granted a one-month relaxation to the Ladakh Taxi Operator Co-operative Ltd for the installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) in their commercial vehicles, as mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).