Border villages ‘pillars of national strength’, says Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Gupta

The Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday said the Government of India was working for holistic development and welfare of border villages, describing them as the “pillars of national strength and pride”.

The L-G visited Thang, the northernmost and last village of India, situated along the Line of Control. He also went to the zero line, where senior Army officers briefed him about the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness, and the vital role of the armed forces in safeguarding national frontiers.

Notably, Thang is a remote border village in the Nubra valley of Ladakh. It is strategically located, with the Shyok river flowing nearby, and is under the watch of the Indian Army due to its sensitive position.

The L-G lauded the Indian Army for guarding the nation’s borders in such tough and challenging terrain, acknowledging their unmatched courage, discipline, and dedication in ensuring the safety and security of the people. He said their commitment stands as a source of immense pride for the entire nation.

Kavinder Gupta said, “Border villages are not only strategic guardians of the nation, but also repositories of unique culture, resilience, and heritage.” He stressed that the UT Government had placed special emphasis on improving road connectivity, health services, education, communication, and livelihood opportunities in these far-flung habitations.

Highlighting the role of tourism, the L-G said villages like Thang hold immense potential to emerge as attractions for border tourism, drawing visitors to witness the life, culture, and natural beauty of India’s last villages. He noted that the pristine Shyok river adds to the charm of border villages like Thang, offering immense scope for eco and adventure tourism.

He underlined that the Government of India’s flagship initiatives, such as the Vibrant Villages Programme, were being implemented to strengthen the border areas by creating better facilities, promoting sustainable tourism, and preventing outmigration.

The L-G assured that the welfare and development of border villages remained the foremost priority of the UT Administration, with sustained efforts to uplift these communities, while preserving their cultural identity.

He lauded the world-class roads across Ladakh, extending all the way to its last border villages, meticulously maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). He encouraged the people of the country to visit and experience these roads, while enjoying the scenic beauty and unique culture of the border areas.