MoD again allows Ladakh civilians to fly in IAF aircrafts to Leh, Thoise

Jun 01, 2023

LEH: 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 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.