Top Army Comdrs brief LG on LAC situation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 31: The Ministry of Defence has once again allowed the civilians to fly in Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts from Chandigarh to Leh and Thoise (Nubra) while Northern Command chief Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Leh Corps Commander Lt General Rashim Bali today called on Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Retired) BD Mishra and reportedly discussed the prevailing situation in Eastern Ladakh.
In a major relief for the people of Ladakh, the Defence Ministry has permitted civilians to fly in the Indian Air Force aircrafts from Chandigarh to Leh and Chandigarh to Thoise (Nutria) after completion of formalities.
“This will give boost to connectivity for the local people of Ladakh,” the officials said.
Pointing out that similar practice existed before COVID-19 pandemic broke out, they said the practice was stopped during COVID. However, it wasn’t revived even after the end of COVID.
However, the Union Territory administration of Ladakh under the guidance of the Lieutenant Governor took up the issue with Defence Ministry headed by Rajnath Singh and finally the proposal was approved today.
“I am delighted to inform that our request for travel of Ladakhi citizens in IAF-MCC aircrafts has been approved by the Government of India,” Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Retired) BD Mishra said in a tweet,
Office of Lieutenant Governor Ladakh further tweeted: “On behalf of people of Ladakh, I thank the Defence Minister of India for according sanction to the request of the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh for starting the much needed service for the people of Ladakh”.
People of Ladakh have also appreciated the Government decision.
As per the officials, the IAF aircrafts carry out two to three sorties daily from Chandigarh to Leh and Thoise and if 30 civilians passengers are accommodated in each flight, nearly 200 locals will be able to fly and reach their destinations.
Moreover, they said the charges are also quite less.
Meanwhile, Northern Command chief Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi accompanied by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Leh Corps, also known as 14 Corps or Fire and Fury Corps, Lt General Rashim Bali today called on Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Rashim Bali at Leh and reportedly briefed him on the prevailing situation along Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Eastern Ladakh.
For the last more than two years, troops of India and China have been engaged in eyeball-to-eyeball position at various friction points in Eastern Ladakh. Though disengagement has taken place at some friction areas, the confrontation persisted at many other points.
India and China have held series of meetings including some at the level of Lieutenant General to resolve military standoff in remaining areas but breakthrough remained elusive.
The two Army Commanders are understood to have given detailed briefing to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on prevailing situation, preparedness of troops and deployments etc.
The Commanders remained with Brig Mishra for about half an hour and had detailed discussions on various other issues as well.
Sources said more meetings at the level of Army could take place between India and China to resolve issues at remaining friction areas.
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