New Delhi, November 3: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today to discuss measures to strengthen humanitarian assistance and improve air connectivity for the Union Territory, especially during the winter months when Ladakh remains cut off from the rest of the country.
During the meeting, Gupta briefed the Defence Minister on the difficulties faced by residents due to extreme weather and limited accessibility in winter. He sought continued support from the Ministry of Defence under Operation Sadbhavana — the Indian Army’s initiative that promotes goodwill, education, healthcare, and community welfare across remote parts of Ladakh.
The Lt Governor underscored the need for improved air connectivity to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials and timely evacuation during emergencies. He requested the continuation of air services on the Kargil–Thoise–Chandigarh route and proposed enhanced air maintenance links between Leh and Delhi to support logistics, passenger travel, and medical evacuations during periods of road closure caused by heavy snowfall.
Gupta expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for the Army’s sustained efforts in supporting the welfare of border residents and its vital role in Ladakh’s socio-economic development.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh appreciated the concerns raised and assured the Lt Governor of all possible assistance from the Ministry of Defence, in coordination with other agencies, to further strengthen connectivity and expand humanitarian outreach across Ladakh.
