The usually calm corridors of Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital in Leh were thrown into turmoil on September 24 when violent protests erupted in the region. What began as a day of treating minor injuries from stone-pelting quickly escalated into a full-scale emergency as bullet wounds started arriving at the facility. For many doctors, it was the first time they had to manage such critical cases, marking an unprecedented moment in the hospital’s history.

From Routine Care to Emergency Response

On that day, medical staff initially focused on those hurt during clashes involving stones and physical scuffles. However, the situation changed dramatically when gunshot victims began pouring in. The hospital had to pivot instantly from routine trauma care to handling life-threatening injuries, stretching both resources and personnel to their limits.

Seventy Injured and Four Fatalities

By the end of the day, the hospital had treated around 70 people who sustained injuries during the unrest. Among them were individuals suffering from severe bullet wounds that required urgent surgical attention. Tragically, four people lost their lives despite medical intervention, underscoring the gravity of the violence that unfolded outside.

Doctors Face Unfamiliar Challenges

For many of the doctors at Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital, this was their first encounter with gunshot-related trauma on such a scale. Used to handling routine cases and occasional accident victims, they suddenly found themselves in high-pressure situations requiring rapid decision-making and coordinated teamwork. The experience highlighted both the resilience of the medical staff and the pressing need for preparedness in regions where unrest can erupt unexpectedly.

Security Presence Inside Hospital Premises

In the aftermath of the violence, police forces were deployed within and around the hospital to maintain order and prevent further disturbances. Security personnel continue to guard certain wards where some of those accused in connection with the protests are still undergoing treatment for their injuries. This unusual blending of medical care and law enforcement presence has created a tense atmosphere inside what is typically a place of healing.

A Community Grappling with Trauma

Beyond physical wounds, many patients and families are also dealing with emotional scars from that day’s events. The sudden eruption of violence has left lasting impressions on both survivors and caregivers alike. For Leh’s residents, September 24 will be remembered not only for its immediate toll but also for how it tested community resilience and institutional readiness in times of crisis.

The events at Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital serve as a stark reminder of how quickly peace can give way to chaos during moments of unrest. While doctors worked tirelessly to save lives under extreme pressure, the tragedy also exposed vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness for such rare but devastating incidents. As patients continue their recovery under guarded watch, Leh remains reflective on a day that reshaped its sense of safety and tested its healthcare system like never before.