Inaugurates 3-day LEAD Mahotsav
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 19: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor, Kavinder Gupta on Friday said that action taken by Central Government to resolve issues of people of Ladakh will be totally in the interests of the people of the Union Territory (UT).
While talking to reporters at the sidelines of the inauguration of a three day painting exhibition titled “ Memory Imprints” by eminent artist Milan Sharma at the Master Sansar Chand Gallery at Kala Kendra here said the stakeholders have already submitted their draft proposals addressing various issues and the Centre will take action in the interest of the Union Territory and the nation.
Talks are continuing in Ladakh and the process is moving forward in a structured manner, he said
“They have submitted their draft, and further discussions will be carried out on the basis of that draft,” Gupta said, indicating that deliberations would proceed on the agreed framework.
He added that the administration remains committed to sustained dialogue to ensure that all concerns are addressed in a constructive manner.
Ladakh representatives held a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs with its Sub-Committee in Delhi on October 22. The panel took part in the talks with a focus on their primary demand of Statehood and safeguards for the Union Territory under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Replying to a question about the criticism by the opposition over the arrest of climate activist, Sonam Wangchuk, who is lodged in Jodhpur Jail, Gupta said, “Only what is in the interest of the country will be done, and whatever is done will be in the interest of Ladakh. Nothing will be done beyond that.”
He said that the Central Government is taking appropriate steps and that any decision taken would be in Ladakh’s interest.
The Lieutenant Governor, said a large number of infrastructure and road projects are currently underway in Ladakh and that all these projects have been taken up with the Government of India and the finance minister.
“In several of these projects, funds of the Union Territory are also being utilised. There were some difficulties related to land acquisition, about which I have also apprised the Union Home Minister and the Finance Minister,” he said.
Thanking the Union Government for its support, Gupta said the Centre is making every possible effort for the development of Ladakh.
He added that Ladakh’s increasing focus on renewable energy would open a new chapter in its development journey.
“Recently, we have established the world’s first unique project related to thermal power. In recent days, the solar energy project in the Pangong area has also been taken forward. ONGC is also working there. I believe that in the future, geothermal energy projects to be set up in Ladakh will be capable of supplying electricity to the entire country,” he said.
On tourism, LG Gupta said Ladakh should emerge as a year-round tourist destination.
Later LG Ladakh, inaugurated the three-day third edition of Mahotsav – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, a flagship annual initiative of LEAD (LJK – Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue), aimed at celebrating the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and collective identity of the region.
Mahotsav-Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is a vibrant platform deeply rooted in the ideals of Swadeshi, self-reliance (Swavlamban) and cultural heritage (Sanskriti). The event brings together artisans, performers, entrepreneurs and community groups to showcase local products, traditional knowledge, handicrafts, folk arts and innovation from across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir.
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