‘I appeal to stakeholders to continue dialogue; only talks can bring solution’

{ INTERVIEW } KAVINDER GUPTA, LADAKH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

- Ravi Krishnan Khajuria [e-mail]

Kavinder Gupta took over as third lieutenant governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh on July 18, and barely two months into office, faces the challenge of dealing with popular protests seeking statehood for the UT and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, which will give it greater autonomy.

Already, four civilians have been killed and nearly 100 injured in clashes with paramilitary forces, and a popular activist has been arrested under the National Security Act. In an interview , the Ladakh LG talks about efforts to restore normalcy and win the trust of the people of Ladakh. Edited excerpts

Have things improved since September 24 ?

The situation has improved. Even today (Tuesday), we relaxed the curfew by four hours. In the coming days, we will reopen schools and colleges. There is no denying that people faced some problems due to the violence, but the Centre wants to talk to safeguard interests of the people within the Constitution of India. I feel that situation will be completely normal in the coming few days and no one will be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere. Iam constantly talking to religious, social,and political organisations and prominent citizens. They have extended their support to the government.