Holds meet with Ladakh Religious heads
Asks students outside to stay in touch with local Admn
Leh: A meeting was held Friday in the conference hall of the LAHDC Secretariat, chaired by the Chairman, CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, to assess the prevailing situation and review the rising tension in the region.
Gathered in the backdrop of growing concerns, the officials engaged in a detailed deliberation on the current circumstances, particularly the recurring blackouts. The need for strict adherence to established protocols was strongly emphasised.
The Chairman urged the public to extend full cooperation by switching off all visible lights during blackout hours, as mandated. He also appealed to residents using private street lighting systems within their compounds to disconnect them until normalcy is restored.
Further, it was reiterated that in the event of a siren, all vehicles must halt immediately and switch off their lights without delay, in keeping with the standard blackout procedures.
The situation is being closely monitored by LAHDC Leh in close coordination with the UT Administration, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure public safety and maintain order.
The discussion was attended by Executive Councillors Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Stanzin Chosphel, and Ghulam Mehdi; DC/CEO LAHDC Leh Santosh Sukhadeve; Councillor Lop Tsering Namgyal and all the Councillors.
Meanwhile, in view of recent security alerts and growing concerns among students, Chairman, CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson chaired a meeting to review the situation of Ladakhi students currently studying in Jammu, Chandigarh and Delhi.
The student representatives briefed the Chairman on the prevailing conditions in their respective areas. While the situation remains largely stable, they shared that students are experiencing mild panic due to rising uncertainty and ongoing examinations.
Concerns have also been raised by parents, particularly due to misinformation and unverified reports circulating on social media.
CEC Tashi Gyalson assured that the situation in Jammu, Chandigarh and Delhi is being closely monitored in coordination with the Chief Secretary of J&K and the concerned district authorities. He emphasized that necessary support will be extended wherever required.
He also informed that he has spoken to the DC Jammu, who assured full cooperation and continued monitoring of the situation. Student unions have been advised to stay in touch with the local administration, and coordination is underway to ensure timely response to any developments.
As a precautionary measure, the Chairman directed Liaison Officers to coordinate with transport departments and keep evacuation logistics such as buses ready if needed.
Student unions have been instructed to compile lists and maintain coordination to avoid confusion or crowding.
CEC stated that should evacuation become necessary, arrangements will be made to temporarily accommodate students at Ladakh Sarai and other designated locations. Similar preparations are being reviewed for students from Kargil as well.
Alternate routes, including the Jammu–Manali road, are also being assessed as part of the overall contingency planning. CEC Gyalson further stated that he is working in close coordination with the UT Administration, student bodies, and concerned officials to ensure a unified and effective response.
He urged students and everyone to avoid spreading or acting on rumours and to rely only on official and verified sources for information. The Chairman appealed to everyone to remain calm, united, and connected through official communication channels.
He added that a detailed action plan will be kept ready and regular updates will be shared with the student unions as the situation evolves.
The meeting was attended by DC/CEO LAHDC Leh Santosh Sukhadeve, RTO Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, Addl. SP Rigzin Sangdup, DPO Leh Junaid Amin Bhat. Joining virtually were the Presidents of all major student unions from Chandigarh, Delhi, and Jammu.
Later in the day, the CEC held a meeting with religious organisations in the presence of DC, CEO, LAHDC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve; President, LBA, Tsering Dorjey Lakrook; President, LGA, Gyen Tsering Angdus; President, Anjuman Imamia, Ashraf Ali Barcha; President, Christian Association, Sonam Parvez; President, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, Dr. Abdul Qayum; and Vice President, Anjuman Sofia Noor Baksh, Ghulam Hussain.
The meeting was convened to discuss the current situation arising out of recent security concerns in different regions and to take the religious organisations into confidence as part of the ongoing preparedness and coordination efforts.
Discussions were held on possible steps to be taken in case the situation demands further action. It was also suggested that if the situation escalates and evacuation becomes necessary, support from Ladakh House in Jammu, local Gompa Tsogdus, monasteries, and community members may be sought to temporarily accommodate the students.
The religious heads extended their support and shared their suggestions for ensuring a calm and united response. The Chairman stressed the importance of collective effort, community confidence, and preparedness in addressing any developments that may arise.
