Leh: In a humanitarian effort, the Indian Air Force (IAF)  airlifted 746 stranded civilians, including residents of Ladakh, from Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar to Leh.

This critical operation comes as the highways connecting Srinagar to Zozila Pass in Leh and Manali to Keylong to Leh remain shut  due to heavy snowfall, with expectations for them to reopen only around April.

The stranded civilians, eager to return home from Chandigarh and Srinagar, found themselves in a precarious situation due to the winter blockade.

However, the swift action by the Indian Air Force brought relief and hope to these individuals, ensuring their safe return to Leh.

Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Tashi Gyalson expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, and the Indian Air Force for their prompt response to the request made by the Hill Council to assist the local civilians.

These civilians are now united with their families back here.