Excelsior Correspondent
DRASS, July 26: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today paid rich tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, as the nation marked Kargil Vijay Diwas at the iconic Drass War Memorial.
In a solemn ceremony attended by top dignitaries including Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, and Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the Lt Governor laid floral wreaths and saluted the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.
Several Army officers, veterans, and local residents also participated in the event to honour the martyrs.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the function, LG Kavinder Gupta said that the sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers will always remain etched in the memory of the nation.
“This is a day that ignites the spirit of nationalism among all of us. Our martyrs gave their lives so that we can live peacefully. Now, it is our responsibility to contribute to the nation in every possible way,” he said.
Meanwhile, as part of his visit to Drass, the Lt Governor also reviewed the progress of the Zoji-la Tunnel project by inspecting its Eastern Portal.
Accompanied by engineers and project officials, he entered the tunnel and was briefed on the ongoing work.
Officials informed him that only 1.7 kilometres of excavation work remains and the project is on track for completion by 2028.
The Lt Governor interacted with workers and site engineers, appreciating their dedication and perseverance in executing the project under challenging conditions.
He praised their commitment and urged them to continue working with the same enthusiasm and discipline.
Describing the tunnel as a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, LG Kavinder Gupta said the Zoji-la Tunnel holds immense strategic and economic significance.
“Once completed, it will boost year-round connectivity to Ladakh, promote tourism, and enhance socio-economic development in the region,” he said.
The LG Ladakh said the tunnel will open new avenues for progress and integration between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
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