LG Kavinder Gupta Honors Martyrs in Drass, Inspects ZojiLa Tunnel Work

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, marked Kargil Vijay Diwas in Drass by paying solemn tributes to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War at the Drass War Memorial. In a powerful display of national solidarity and remembrance, the Lieutenant Governor laid floral wreaths and saluted the valour of Indian soldiers in the presence of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was the chief guest, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, LAHDC Kargil Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, and other senior dignitaries.

Addressing the media after the wreath-laying ceremony, Gupta said the nation remains forever indebted to those who laid down their lives in defence of India’s sovereignty. “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a day etched in our collective memory, a day that rekindles patriotism and reminds us that there can be no greater honour than serving the nation,” he said. He added that while the country has always given to its people, “now is the time to give something back.”

Earlier in the day, Gupta inspected the Eastern Portal of the ZojiLa Tunnel, a project of strategic and developmental importance for Ladakh. Accompanied by engineers and officials, the Lieutenant Governor entered the under-construction tunnel to assess the ongoing work. Project engineers informed him that only 1.7 Kilometres of excavation remain, and the tunnel is expected to be completed by 2028.

Interacting with workers at the site, Gupta praised their dedication and resilience. “Despite extreme conditions, your commitment is commendable,” he told them, encouraging continued efforts. He described the ZojiLa Tunnel as a dream envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying its completion would not only ensure year-round strategic connectivity but also open new avenues for tourism and economic growth in Ladakh. “This tunnel will mark a new chapter of development for the region, strengthening both connectivity and livelihoods,” Gupta said.

Gupta also met with various delegations from religious groups, political organisations, and civil society members during his visit to Drass. He said the purpose of the visit was to directly engage with people of the sub-division, understand their grievances, and learn more about their culture and aspirations.

Assuring residents of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development, Gupta said key infrastructure projects in Drass, including the construction of a court complex, degree college, and revenue complex are progressing rapidly and are expected to be completed soon.

He also emphasised the tourism potential of Drass, stating that developing the area into a sustainable destination would remain a top priority. “Creating livelihood opportunities for youth and ensuring equitable growth will be central to the administration’s future approach,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor’s day-long tour of Drass reflected a balance between commemoration, development oversight, and community engagement. From honouring Kargil’s fallen soldiers to inspecting the ZojiLa Tunnel and interacting with local residents, the visit signalled a commitment to responsive governance and strategic development in Ladakh.

As Ladakh continues to navigate its post-reorganisation trajectory, such visits by the Lieutenant Governor are being seen not just as ceremonial gestures, but as instruments of policy follow-up and public reassurance.