States » NorthPosted at: Nov 15 2026 4:40PM


Health team conducts clinical assessment of Leh teenager amid his threat to immolate himself

Srinagar, Nov 15 (UNI) Ladakh's Health Department has conducted a preliminary clinical assessment of a 17-year-old boy from Leh, whose video expressing distress and speaking of self-harm went viral on social media, and recommended further evaluation in a hospital setting to ensure privacy and appropriate medical care.
The development comes amid allegations by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk that Ladakh Police were harassing the teenager, the son of a Kargil War veteran killed during the September 24 violence in Leh last year, for demanding the release of the judicial inquiry commission report into the incident.
In a statement Director Health Department, Dr Thinles, said the assessment was undertaken in view of concerns raised over the well-being of the adolescent, following his appearance in a media interaction at the NDS Stadium, Leh.
He said the UT Administration, keeping in consideration the minor's health and well-being, constituted a medical team to assess his condition and provide appropriate support and counselling.
The team, comprising Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Fayaz, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Padma Angmo and other medical personnel, conducted a preliminary assessment in the presence of a Magistrate.
According to Dr Thinles, the team undertook a brief cross-sectional assessment through interviews and clinical interactions to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify signs of emotional distress and determine whether any clinically diagnosable conditions, including depression or anxiety disorders, required further attention.
He said the assessment was intended to understand the adolescent's individual circumstances and relevant medical history before arriving at any clinical opinion.
The medical team emphasised that a detailed assessment should be conducted in an appropriate clinical setting rather than an open public space such as the NDS Stadium, so that the minor's privacy could be maintained and interruptions minimised.
The team accordingly suggested conducting the assessment in a hospital environment, where professional care, confidentiality and necessary privacy could be ensured.
Dr Thinles said appropriate counselling, care and further intervention, wherever required, would form part of the process.
The Administration reiterated its commitment to the well-being of adolescents, stressing that cases involving emotional or psychological distress must be handled sensitively and professionally, with due regard to privacy and confidentiality.
In a post on X on Saturday activist Wangchuk had alleged that the administration was moving to send the boy to a mental asylum instead of addressing his family's demand for justice.
He also criticised the delay in releasing the inquiry report.
The chairman of the Apex Body Leh had Saturday evening had appealed to people to respect the privacy and dignity of the teenager and his family and refrain from circulating their names, photographs or videos on social media.
The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of an indefinite dharna by the Leh Apex Body against the administration's decision to hold elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils from December 4.
UNI MJR BM
Tags: #Health team conducts clinical assessment of Leh teenager amid his threat to immolate himself
More News

UP: Yogi launches 2nd phase of 2 5 million tablet distribution campaign

15 Nov 2026 | 7:07 PM

Lucknow, Nov 15 (UNI) To digitally empower youth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the second phase of the 2.5 million tablet distribution campaign under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme here today.

see more..

Himachal Anti-Chitta campaign: 179 preventive detention orders, properties worth Rs 37 78 cr attached

15 Nov 2026 | 7:04 PM

Shimla, Nov 15 (UNI)Himachal Pradesh's year-long Anti-Chitta campaign has combined mass public mobilisation with tougher enforcement, with 179 preventive detention orders and properties worth Rs 37.78 crore confirmed in 77 financial investigation cases, as the state government marked the first anniversary of the Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan on Sunday.

see more..

Nuh: Two alleged cow smugglers killed, one injured in gunfight with Police

15 Nov 2026 | 6:53 PM

Nuh, Nov 15 (UNI) Two alleged cow smugglers were killed and another injured in a gunfight with a police team in Haryana's Nuh district during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, police said. The encounter took place in Bima village under Firozpur Jhirka Sadar police station limits after the suspects, travelling in a pickup vehicle, allegedly opened fire at a police team during a blockade.
According to police, the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) team of Firozpur Jhirka had received information about cattle smuggling and set up a blockade to intercept the vehicle.

see more..

HP Assembly's six-day winter session to begin on November 16, security tightened

15 Nov 2026 | 6:31 PM

Ashok Raina
Dharamshala, Nov 15 ( UNI) The six-day winter session of the 14th Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly will begin at Tapovan near Dharamshala on November 16 and continue till November 21, with elaborate security arrangements put in place, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said on Sunday.

see more..

Himachal approves geriatric medicine departments at three medical colleges

15 Nov 2026 | 6:27 PM

Shimla, Nov 15 (UNI)The Himachal Pradesh government has approved the establishment of dedicated Departments of Geriatric Medicine at three government medical colleges in the state to strengthen specialised healthcare facilities for senior citizens.

see more..