Leh: In a moment of significance for the Union Territory of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta was sworn in as the 3rd Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh in a ceremonial oath-taking event held in Leh. Dressed in traditional Ladakhi attire, the oath was administered by Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
Leaders from across the region — spanning Leh and Kargil — came together to welcome the new LG with optimism and firm expectations for Ladakh’s democratic and inclusive future.
“A Grounded Leader Who Knows Ladakh Deeply” – CEC Leh, Tashi Gyalson
Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh, congratulated LG Gupta on behalf of the people of Leh. “Kavinder Gupta is not a new face to Ladakh. He has worked as Speaker and Deputy CM when we were part of Jammu and Kashmir. He understands our geography, culture, and sentiments. We see him as a grounded leader who will work as part of a strong team to resolve the issues faced by our people,” he said.
“Democracy Needs a Revival in Ladakh” – MP Mohammad Haneefa
Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohammad Haneefa, also welcomed the appointment. He noted, “The people of Ladakh need a leader who values democratic engagement and understands our unique ecological, cultural, and geographical sensitivities. Kavinder Gupta comes from a political background and knows what a democratic setup means. We believe he will listen, understand, and act for Ladakh’s collective interest.”
“A Shared Future for Leh and Kargil” – CEC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon
Speaking from Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, conveyed warm congratulations and a call for regional unity. “We welcome Hon’ble LG Kavinder Gupta from the bottom of our hearts. We hope he walks the talk of leading Leh and Kargil together. His statement about inclusive governance gives us confidence that our region will move forward in unity and development.”
Kavinder Gupta takes office at a time when Ladakh is navigating key challenges: demands for Sixth Schedule safeguards, environmental protection, job reservations, and greater political autonomy. His appointment — as someone who has held high office and understands the erstwhile J&K landscape — is seen by many as a possible bridge between people’s aspirations and the Centre’s developmental vision.
From hill councils to Parliament, Ladakhi leadership has spoken in one voice — calling for inclusivity, responsiveness, and grassroots engagement. As Ladakh steps into a new chapter, the region awaits whether these shared hopes will transform into lasting change.
