The former Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister stepped down on Thursday, officials confirmed, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the sudden move.
Ladakh Lieutenant governor Kavinder Gupta on Thursday resigned from his post
New Delhi: Ladakh Lieutenant governor Kavinder Gupta on Thursday resigned from his post after serving for just nine months. Gupta, a former deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, had taken charge as the lieutenant governor of Ladakh last year.
One more resignation: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta has also resigned
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Gupta had taken oath on July 18, 2025, becoming the third Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory. A former deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Gupta’s tenure coincided with a period of political and social unrest in the region.
Civil society groups and organisations such as the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance have been leading protests demanding statehood for Ladakh, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and reservation in government jobs for local residents.
The agitation intensified in September 2025 when demonstrations in Leh linked to the statehood movement turned violent. According to reports, police firing during clashes left at least four protesters dead and several others injured, triggering curfew and heightened security restrictions in parts of the region.
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Authorities imposed additional security measures to control the situation as protests continued across Ladakh. The unrest had drawn national attention, with local leaders and community organisations pressing the Centre to address their demands.
Officials have not yet disclosed the exact reason behind Gupta’s sudden resignation. Further developments regarding his successor are awaited.
