CS Kotwal warns against misinformation, reassures Ladakhis on Hill Councils, Recruitment, Security reinforcements

Leh, Aug 25: The Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, on Saturday issued a stern caution against the circulation of rumours and unfounded claims, reminding that such actions attract penal consequences under Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Speaking at a virtual press conference from New Delhi, Dr. Kotwal underscored that certain vested interests were attempting to sow confusion by spreading misleading narratives about Ladakh’s governance framework. He drew attention to a recent video circulating online which falsely suggested the dissolution of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) of Leh and Kargil.
“This is utterly baseless and misleading. The Administration is firmly committed to further empowering the Hill Councils, which have played a pivotal role in Ladakh’s progress. Nothing of this sort is under consideration. Such fabrications are the handiwork of disruptive elements who seek to vitiate the atmosphere,” Dr. Kotwal affirmed.
He urged citizens to verify information with the authorities instead of lending credence to rumours, further appealing for public cooperation in reporting such activities to the administration.
Touching upon the ongoing recruitment drive, the Chief Secretary informed that over one lakh applications had already been received for district-level recruitments in Leh and Kargil, as well as through the Ladakh Subordinate Services Board. With the extended deadline, the applicant pool is expected to reach nearly 1.5 lakh.
“This process is a defining opportunity for our youth. Attempts are being made by rumour-mongers to distract them. I appeal to all aspirants to remain steadfast in their preparations and not be swayed,” he said.
Addressing traditional governance stakeholders, Dr. Kotwal called upon Lambardars (village headmen) to guide their communities responsibly, discourage anti-administration propaganda, and extend support in ensuring service delivery. He cautioned that Lambardars engaging in disruptive conduct could face removal under existing regulations.
Responding to queries regarding the cancellation of land allotted to the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), Dr. Kotwal clarified that the action was taken strictly in accordance with established procedures. He further assured that residential allotments sanctioned by the Hill Councils remain unaffected.
On speculation linking the induction of paramilitary forces in Ladakh to political maneuvering, the Chief Secretary emphasized that the Union Territory Administration had requisitioned additional forces purely to augment policing capacity.
“Ladakh Police operates with very limited manpower and faces acute shortages. With increasing tourist arrivals, the rise of drug abuse, thefts, disaster management responsibilities, and law-and-order imperatives, reinforcement of policing strength became unavoidable. This measure is exclusively aimed at safeguarding public welfare and ensuring tourist security,” he explained.
Director General of Police (DGP) Ladakh, Dr. S.D. Singh, who joined the interaction from Leh, echoed this rationale. “During His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s recent public discourse, our resources were stretched to the maximum. We need preparedness for crime control, tackling narcotics, protecting tourists, and disaster response. After extensive deliberations, additional forces have now been sanctioned, which will substantially enhance policing,” he stated.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Kotwal reiterated that spreading alarm or misinformation is a prosecutable offence. He appealed to the people of Ladakh to remain vigilant, rely solely on authentic communication, and cooperate with the Administration in sustaining peace, order, and institutional credibility in the Union Territory.