Ladakh chief secretary says leaders misled youth, fueled Leh violence

Ten days after security forces’ firing left four people dead in Leh, Ladakh Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal squarely blamed “politically motivated leaders” for provoking unrest and misleading youth for “personal and political gains.”

Kotwal revealed that of the 70 young protestors detained, 30 have been released, while the rest remain in judicial custody. “We will ensure no misguided innocent person is put to hardship,” he said on Saturday, adding that investigations will establish the “negative and destructive role” of certain leaders.

The statement comes in the backdrop of violent protests on September 24, when demonstrators set ablaze a police vehicle. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was later detained under the National Security Act and shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail, triggering nationwide debate.

Kotwal stressed that the turmoil could have been avoided had the hunger strike been called off in time, as dialogue with the Centre’s High Powered Committee (HPC) was already scheduled. “With a premeditated approach, certain sections derailed the process, misled the people, and created a law-and-order crisis leading to the tragic loss of lives,” he said, without directly naming Wangchuk.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Kotwal highlighted measures already taken: raising Scheduled Tribe reservation in Ladakh from 45% to 85%, ensuring one-third reservation for women in hill councils, and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages of the Union Territory.

On land safeguards, he said powers rest with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) and that land laws were being revised to be more “people-friendly.” “Nothing will happen without the consultation and consent of the local community,” Kotwal assured.

Emphasizing that Ladakh’s land, resources, jobs, and cultural identity would remain protected, Kotwal urged leaders to engage in “open and constructive dialogue” rather than exploiting people’s sentiments.