Chief Secretary Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, addressed a press briefing via video conference from Delhi on August 24 to dispel ongoing rumours and reassure the public of the Administration’s commitment to transparency, security, and development. Senior officials including DGP Ladakh Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, DC Leh Romil Singh Donk, SSP Leh Shruti Arora, and others attended the session.

Dr. Kotwal warned against rumour-mongering, clarifying that the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) remain central to governance and will be further strengthened. He highlighted the ongoing recruitment drive, with over 1.06 lakh applications received for 1,385 non-gazetted posts, ensuring fair and transparent opportunities for Ladakhi youth.

On the tourism sector, he noted its revival after the May 2025 Indo-Pak conflict setback, emphasizing the Administration’s focus on promoting Ladakh as a premier destination. He also urged Lambardars to counter misinformation and guide the public responsibly.

Addressing concerns over land issues, Dr. Kotwal explained that the cancellation of HIAL land allotment was a unique case under the “deemed to lapse” clause. The DC Leh clarified that no other land-related problems exist and that lands allotted by LAHDCs remain fully recognized. Additionally, estate holders may now receive up to 10 marlas of land under the Common Lands Regulations Act, an increase from the previous 4 marlas.

On the deployment of CRPF, the Chief Secretary explained it was necessitated by Ladakh’s vast geography, rising tourism, abolition of the Inner Line Permit regime, and the need to strengthen law and order alongside the limited manpower of Ladakh Police.

DGP Jamwal affirmed that despite resource constraints, Ladakh Police continue to perform multifaceted duties including crime prevention, tourism policing, VVIP security, and disaster response. He stressed community participation in tackling drug abuse among youth and reiterated the police’s achievements in crime detection, traffic management, and safeguarding public safety.

Both Dr. Kotwal and Dr. Jamwal assured the people that the Administration remains committed to transparency, security, and the overall development of Ladakh.