Tag: Ladakh

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India News Jammu & Kashmir

Congress, NC to contest 3 seats each in J-K, Ladakh

The announcement was made by senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and Congress leader Pawan Khera…reports Asian Lite News

Congress and National Conference on Monday announced the seat sharing agreement for the five constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir and one constituency of Ladakh.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference by senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and Congress leader Pawan Khera.

Under the seat sharing agreement, the Congress will contest from Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary constituencies, while the National Conference will contest from Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar and Baramulla Lok Sabha seats.

“Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will fight the elections jointly in all the six constituencies. While the candidates have been announced for the Udhampur, Jammu and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies, the remaining three candidates for Srinagar, Baramulla and Ladakh will also be announced soon,” Omar Abdullah said.

He expressed confidence that INDIA will sweep all the six constituencies.

Earlier, Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) on Sunday announced candidates for three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir. PDP leader Sartaj Madni announced that Mehbooba Mufti will contest the general elections from Kashmir’s Anantnag-Rajouri constituency.

Mufti will be in a political battle from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat against Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory will be held in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar) and May 20 (Baramulla).

Nearly 97 crore voters will be eligible to vote for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies across the country.The elections for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting on April 19. The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4.

22 candidates in fray for Jammu

 One candidate withdrew his candidature on Monday, leaving a total of 22 candidates in the fray in the Jammu Parliamentary constituency.

Monday (April 8) was the last day of withdrawal of nomination in the Jammu Parliamentary constituency.

The candidates, who are in the fray include Jagdish Raj from Bahujan Samaj Party, Jugal Kishore from Bharatiya Janata Party, Naresh Kumar Chib from Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party (Bhim), Raman Bhalla from Congress, Ankur Sharma from Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal, Swami Divya Nand from Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front, Rattan Lal from Jammu & Kashmir People’s Conference, Shikha Bandral from National Awami United Party, Qari Zaheer Abbas Bhatti from All India Forward Bloc, Ganesh Choudhary from Hindustan Shakti Sena among others.

Independent candidate Roop Krishen Dhar has withdrawn his nomination.

The constituency is going to the polls in the second phase of general elections to be held on April 26.

Meanwhile, the process of allotting election symbols to the contesting candidates was also completed on Monday. (ANI/IANS)

Cong manifesto will make India strong, secular, says Abdullah

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah on Monday reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark about Congress’s manifesto that every page of the document reeks of attempts to “tear India apart” and said that the manifesto is to make the country strong and to keep it secular.

“I don’t think the manifesto is to break the country. I think the manifesto is to make the country strong and to keep it secular. That is what it is. And if anybody thinks otherwise, then they are already dividing the nation in their own ways,” the National Conference told reporters.

Speaking on Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) contesting the election, Abdullah said, “People know what we stand for. And beyond that, I don’t need to express anything.”

PM Modi on Saturday launched an attack on Congress and said that the party’s manifesto is a “bundle of lies” and every page of the document reeks of attempts to “tear India apart.”

Congress manifesto was released at the party headquarters by party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on Friday.

Addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Ajmer, the Prime Minister said that the manifesto reflects that the thinking of the Congress resembles those of the Muslim League during the pre-Independence period.

“Yesterday the Congress Party released its manifesto, a bundle of lies. Every page of this smells of breaking India into pieces. The same thinking is reflected in the Congress manifesto as was present in the Muslim League at the time of independence. Congress wants to impose the views of the Muslim League of that time on India today,” PM Modi said.

The Congress party’s election manifesto focuses on ‘Paanch Nyay’ or five pillars of justice, including ‘Yuva Nyay’, ‘Naari Nyay’, ‘Kisaan Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’ and ‘Hissedari Nyay’ as well as the guarantees made by it to the people as part of its poll promises for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory will be held in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar) and May 20 (Baramulla).

The counting of votes will be taken up on June 4. (ANI)

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India News Jammu & Kashmir Politics

Protesters brave cold, seek Ladakh statehood

Thousands of men and women marched in the main city of Leh in the bitter cold, raising chants demanding statehood…reports Asian Lite News

Thousands of people braved the cold and took out a march demanding statehood for Ladakh and protection under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution for the Union Territory.

Thousands of men and women marched in the main city of Leh in the bitter cold, raising chants demanding statehood for Ladakh and the implementation of the sixth schedule of the Constitution.

The shutdown in the region was called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

Significantly, the central government has already constituted a high-level committee led by Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, to protect the unique culture and language of Ladakh.

The legal Adviser of Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, Haji Ghulam Mustafa, told ANI that all powers that were people-centric have weakened and the region has no representation in the Assembly.

“Ever since Ladakh became a UT, the apex body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) put forward a four-point agenda. All our powers which were people-centric have weakened. When we were a part of Jammu and Kashmir, we had four members in the Assembly and two in the legislative council. Now we have no representation in the Assembly. It has always been our demand that the people of Ladakh should have representation in the Assembly and that we should get statehood. The reason is that Ladakh is, strategically, a very important place,” he said.

“This is a tribal majority area and has all the features that states in the Northeast have. Further, along the lines of Northeast states, we demand that the provisions of the 6th schedule be implemented in Ladakh to protect its culture. Ever since Ladakh became a UT, there have been no gazetted job openings in the region while in J-K, two batches have already been commissioned and the third batch will be commissioned soon. Ladakh urgently needs a Public Service Commission of its own. People here are observing a total shutdown today. This is to send a message to the power corridors in Delhi that the people of Ladakh demand empowerment of the region,” he added.

After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was split into two Union Territories–Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. (ANI)

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NC-Congress combine sweeps Ladakh-Kargil polls

Kargil, Aug 25 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi poses for a picture with a local from Ladakh holding the National flag during his visit to Kargil, on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

The National Conference emerged victorious as the single largest party winning 12 seats while Congress secured 10 seats in the first-ever polls held since Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory  in 2019…reports Asian Lite News

The alliance of the National Conference and the Congress won the 5th general elections of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) on Sunday with an absolute majority.

The National Conference emerged victorious as the single largest party winning 12 seats while Congress secured 10 seats in the first-ever polls held since Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory (UT) in 2019, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council said.

The results of the 5th general elections of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) are a boost to the INDIA bloc as this is the first election in Kargil post the formation of the alliance which has been formed to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls scheduled to be held in 2024.

The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) won 2 seats and INDP won 2 seats, officials said on Sunday. The fifth Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil election was conducted on October 4.

The National Conference (NC), Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were in a tight contest. The administration nominates four members with voting rights to the 30-member Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil.

Congratulating the party on their ongoing lead in the LAHDC election, Congress General Secretary in Charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh on Sunday said that the results coming in the council election are a direct impact of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra outreach in Ladakh in September.

“The national media of course will blank it out, but trends coming in show Congress leading convincingly in the elections to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil with an almost complete wipeout of the BJP. This is a direct impact of Rahul Gandhi continuing Bharat Jodo Yatra in Ladakh last month,” Ramesh posted on X.

Congress leader KC Venugopal also extended his wishes to the winning candidates in the LAHDC Election adding that these results will mark the beginning of a new democratic dawn in Ladakh and Kargil. “We have registered a resounding victory in the Ladakh-Kargil Autonomous Hill Council elections after 10 years! Along with our INDIA partner National Conference, we have swept the entire region in its first election after the abrogation of Article 370,” Venugopal posted on X.

“Rahul Gandhi ji’s Bharat Jodo Yatra last month across the region has given the people of Ladakh and Kargil the faith that the Congress and INDIA have a deep concern about the issues they face and the need for their democratic sentiments to be given a voice. Congratulations to all victorious candidates and I am confident this will usher in a new democratic dawn in Ladakh and Kargil,” the Congress leader added.

The counting of votes started for LAHDC elections amid high-security arrangements on Sunday.

This time, 65 per cent of voters turned up in the Kargil district as per the cumulative figure of 3rd round of voting for the 5th LAHDC elections. (ANI)

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Noor Jahan’s efforts to protect Ladakh’s rich cultural legacy

Despite facing challenges, including the departure of her cousin Wajeeda and the need to create sustainable year-round work, Noor continues her dedicated efforts…reports Asian Lite News

Noor Jahan, an expert in art conservation and heritage management from Leh, has dedicated a decade to the question of preserving culture. Through her venture, Shesrig Ladakh, Noor and her cousin Wajeeda Tabassum conduct vital restoration and conservation work on ancient wall paintings, religious manuscripts, thangka paintings, and metalworks. Noor’s passion lies in working on ancient wall paintings and thangkas, a focus inspired by childhood memories and a desire to protect Ladakh’s heritage.

Equipped with a Master’s degree from the Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management and a PhD from the National Museum Institute, Noor has undertaken restoration projects dating back to the late 8th century. Despite facing challenges, including the departure of her cousin Wajeeda and the need to create sustainable year-round work, Noor continues her dedicated efforts.

In addition to her conservation work, Noor is a goalkeeper for the Indian women’s ice hockey team, demonstrating her remarkable versatility. Her journey began with a fortuitous encounter with foreign conservators in Leh, leading her to pursue higher studies in art conservation. Memories of childhood visits to Nubra Valley and the deterioration of ancient paintings further ignited her passion for the field.

Noor’s most significant project, Shesrig Ladakh, was founded in 2017. The venture is based in Choskor House, a historic structure in Leh’s old town. Noor’s team engages in meticulous conservation and restoration work, addressing challenges such as physical access to remote sites and sourcing materials. Documentation, cleaning, and stabilizing are key steps in their conservation process.

For thangka restoration, Noor’s team follows a comprehensive eight-step process, including cleaning, separation, and repair. Despite occasional obstacles stemming from her Muslim faith or lack of awareness in Ladakh about conservation, Noor remains steadfast in her mission to preserve cultural heritage.

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From serene Sri Lanka to majestic Ladakh

While the Land of High Passes has been the trending destination, we can’t get enough of it, especially with only 2 months left in the year to really enjoy the terrain and all its experiences…reports Asian Lite News

We have a long weekend coming up and we know these destinations and boutique experiences will satiate the travel bug in you.

Sri Lanka

If time doesn’t permit for an e-visa, fill out a quick ETA form, take that passport, and head off to Colombo! Get your visa on arrival and with a one-night stay to see the city, take a scenic drive to Kandy through the hills and tea estates to reach the gorgeous riverside property, Jetwing Kandy Gallery. We highly recommend this property as it is only a few minutes from the city-centre but sits serenely in the outskirts – perfect to truly enjoy the cultural hub as well as the region’s breathtaking landscape! Immersive experiences of this ancient home to the Temple of Tooth begin from the property itself, with the welcome dance inspired by the traditional Perahera festival or the open spaces with local art and colours, and the local cuisine. Besides the cultural activities in the city, do indulge in the cycling and walking trails – the property team organises them all.

Ladakh

While the Land of High Passes has been the trending destination, we can’t get enough of it, especially with only 2 months left in the year to really enjoy the terrain and all its experiences. For some unique experiences, look at Chamba Camp, Thiksey, or Chamba Camp, Diskit. They are run by one of the pioneers of glamping in India, The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC). As the same suggests, they offer the ultimate luxury tents, stylishly nomadic in every detail while amplifying the experiences of stunning landscapes.

Himachal Pradesh

One of the best times to visit Pondicherry. With decent weather, do explore the French quarters of the erstwhile colony, its eclectic cafes, and architecture. Speaking of which, go boutique with your stay at CGH Earth’s Palais de Mahe. Located just 50m from the seaside promenade, this colonial nugget is a charm with its verandahs, courtyards, and period furniture. We suggest you also explore the Tamil quarter too – such a significant part of the Pondicherry story. Take a night or two at Maison Perumal, a gorgeous Franco-Tamil heritage hotel for a more immersive experience.

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Another milestone for Ladakh as it gets GI tag for wood work

This is the first time in the history of GI that Jammu region and Ladakh (UT) got GI tag for handicrafts but earlier the same Tags (GI) were given to Kashmir handicrafts.

Giving a big boost to the beautiful wooden work from Ladakh, the Indian government has granted it Geographical Indication (GI) tag thus ensuring its authenticity.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the move will make Ladakh’s cultural traditions even more popular and benefit artisans. The Geographical Indications (GI) is a form of intellectual property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality and characteristics linked to that location.

The process for GI Tagging of these products was started by NABARD in consultation with and support from the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom in December 2020, reported Daily Excelsior.

This is the first time in the history of GI that Jammu region and Ladakh (UT) got GI tag for handicrafts but earlier the same Tags (GI) were given to Kashmir handicrafts. Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Kathua-Udhampur constituency Dr Jitendra Singh tweeted: “A proud moment for Basohli region of J&K. This unique painting known for evocative colours and deep-set facial patterns will now gain more prominence globally.”

“Basohli painting of Kathua district is the first independent GI tag from Jammu region, whereas the Ladakh Wood Carving is the first handicraft of Ladakh to get a GI Tag. Now, only an authorized user has the exclusive rights to use the Geographical Indication in relation to these products,” said an official of NABARD.

“No person can copy it from beyond their geographical areas. This will prevent unauthorised use of these registered Geographical Indication goods by third parties and will boost exports and promote their brands at international level,” the official said, reported Daily Excelsior.

Member of Parliament Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also congratulated people of Ladakh for GI Tag to Ladakh’s Wood Carving.

“Greetings to the people of Ladakh for getting #GITag to Ladakh’s #WoodCarving, a first of its kind. It will surely promote the handicraft culture of the artisans as well as the local economy of the artisans of Ladakh globally,” he tweeted.

Ladakh’s wood carving has been known for its intricate designs and unique patterns, which are mostly inspired by Buddhist themes and motifs. The wood carvings are made from local wood such as willow and apricot, and they are often used for decorating doors, windows, and other household items, reported ET Government.

The GI tag for Ladakh’s Wood Carving is likely to boost the local economy by promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities for artisans. The recognition will also protect the traditional knowledge and skills of wood carving, ensuring that it is passed down to future generations.

The GI tags are used to protect the products from being copied or imitated by others and to ensure that consumers get genuine and authentic products.

Wood carving of Ladakh has been an aesthetically vibrant art form in the Ladakh region, including the capital Leh and Kargil.

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Quad to help India at Ladakh

A video of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel is doing the rounds on the Internet with the national flag celebrating Republic Day at 17000 feet in snow today. The temperature in Ladakh at present is minus 20 degrees Celsius. In the 1 min 57 sec video the Indo-Tibetan Border Police's "Himveers" could be seen chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'.

Quad, just like NATO, is using this forum and has long been voicing its intent on encouraging greater cooperation between the four democratic member countries of Australia, India, Japan, and the US…reports Asian Lite News

The longstanding issues of Quad nations with China and the growing concerns of an emerging strategic shift in the Indo-Pacific region have made the bloc send out veiled messages to China while also upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, something the grouping has mentioned in its joint statement, media reports said.
Be it India, US, Australia and Japan, all Quad members hold historic issues with an ambitious China which is trying to pursue its expansionist goals. First up is India. India and China have several points of contention along the 2,167-mile Sino-Indian border, reported The Diplomat. Relations between China with the other Quad members are also at a tight spot. When it comes to Japan, there is an ongoing dispute over the sovereignty of the Japanese-administered Senkaku and Diaoyu islands. China makes claims that these islands are part of its territory, reported The Diplomat.

Solomon Island’s security deal with China has irked Australia. Australia is wary of a close alignment of Solomon Island with China. And the last Quad member is the US, the world’s oldest democracy.
The US and China are at daggers drawn over the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The US has been sending out clear messages that if there is any change in the status quo in Taiwan, the country will use its military might.

China, on the other hand, claims that Taiwan is, was and will always remain its part. All of these long-standing issues of China with the Quad members firmly direct the individual attention of each Quad nation’s military toward China.

All of these historic disputes and emerging strategic concerns have posed a threat to the maintenance of the status quo and must be considered potential catalysts for future conflict, reported The Diplomat. One other thing is the observation that there is a significant disparity in the military capabilities of China and Taiwan and that is why one is left wondering just how much the small island could resist the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Ladakh, demarcated only by a Line of Actual Control drawn in the wake of the sole conflict fought between India and China. Quad, just like NATO, is using this forum and has long been voicing its intent on encouraging greater cooperation between the four democratic member countries of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.
Ladakh’s importance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rests in the practical and symbolic value that it holds to the regime. Following the 1962 war, nearly 15,000 square miles of Indian territory were seized and remain under Chinese control, in the form of Aksai Chin, yet the CCP remains determined to take more land west of China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region. These claims have further intensified since the advent of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in 2015, which sought to increase transportation and energy links between the two countries, as well as providing China with access to the Indian Ocean through infrastructure investment and unsustainable loans initially worth $46 billion.

With more of Ladakh under Chinese control, there is potential for more efficient connectivity to be established between Xinjiang and Islamabad than is already offered by the Northern Route highway, as well as allowing for the completion of the rumored G695 highway connecting Xinjiang and Tibet. Ironically, greater control of Ladakh would also offer the PLA access to 3,595 kilometers of recently constructed, all-weather border roads that can be utilized to garner direct access into India in the event of a full-scale war.

Symbolically, Ladakh offers further reasons to inspire hostility between the two nations. The flight of the Dalai Lama to India, following the Tibetan uprising of 1959 against CCP occupation, is often cited as one of the many instigators of the 1962 war, and frequent visits by His Holiness to Ladakh are an infuriating reminder of India’s continued willingness to offer refuge to the spiritual leader. Not only would reasserting Chinese influence in Ladakh deal a further blow to the region’s Buddhist community but reclaiming land that the CCP categorically claims would also allow China to continue along the trajectory mapped out by President Xi Jinping.

There have been multiple areas where the Quad countries have been engaging themselves with the most recent heads of government summit in May 2022. The joint statement which was released after the Quad meeting made clear their engagements not only militarily but also in mutual steps taken in the supply of Covid-19 vaccines and addressing climate concerns. The bloc hopes to collaborate in diversified areas to form a close alliance and restrain China to dominate the world stage.

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IAF rescues Israel national from Ladakh

IAF rescues Israel national from Ladakh

The Indian Air Force (IAF) rescued an Israeli national from the Zanskar area of Ladakh, officials said on Thursday…reports Asian Lite News

The tourist was identified as Pnina Kuperman. She was in the area for trekking when she suffered breathing problems.

The Israeli national was evacuated by the helicopter unit of the IAF from a remote high-altitude village Hangkar. The rescue operation was carried out amid strong winds and adverse flying conditions.

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Giving details of the operation, a defence spokesperson said, “On the evening of June 29, the pilots from the helicopter unit based at Air Force Station Leh, evacuated Pnina Kuperman, an Israeli national having difficulty in breathing, from a remote high altitude village called Hangkar in the Zanskar valley, braving strong winds & adverse flying conditions.”

The spokesperson said the patient was admitted to a local hospital and was stable now.

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Ladakh int’l music festival ends with heartfelt tribute to Bravehearts


The army said the event witnessed an overwhelming response from locals, tourists as well as media houses and was a grand success…reports Asian Lite News

The first ever Ladakh International Music Festival (LIMF) concluded in Leh on Monday, officials said on Tuesday.

The army said that the event, which was conducted over three days from April 30 to May 2, saw performances by local as well as contemporary bands.

“The event was aimed at paying tribute to heroes who laid down their lives for the motherland as also to showcase local talent and music as part of ‘youth empowerment’,” the army said.

The event was organised at Col Sonam Wangchuk Stadium in Leh by two media houses, ‘Picture Time’ and ‘Sky2Ocean’, with support from Fire and Fury Corps, Ministry of Culture and Tourism Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

“Leading bands of the country, including ‘Indian Ocean’, ‘Tetseo Sisters Nagaland’, ‘Parashra Band’ and ‘Joi Barua Band’ participated in the festival along with six local bands from Leh,” the army said.

The event provided a platform to the local bands to participate alongside contemporary musicians from the rest of the country. In addition to the leading bands, Bollywood celebrities Darshan Kumar and Richa Chadha also attended the event.

The army said the event witnessed an overwhelming response from locals, tourists as well as media houses and was a grand success.

To pay tribute to the Bravehearts who laid down their lives in the defence of Ladakh, a new metaverse ready song composed by Joi Barua will be released at the Rezangla War Memorial on Wednesday.

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Ladakh Int’l Music Festival to begin from April 30

GOC-in-C Northern command and LG, UT Ladakh will likely grace the event and also launch the Rezang La Anthem. The anthem will also soon be telecast abroad…reports Asian Lite News

The first ever Ladakh International Music Festival is set to be held at Leh’s Sonam Wangchuk Stadium starting from April 30.

The four-day event will feature performances by popular rock bands, a rock band competition among the local talent and a special tribute to the Indian Army at one of world’s highest war memorials, Rezang La.

Bands like ‘Indian Ocean’, ‘The Yellow Diary’, ‘Parashara’, ‘Tetseo Sisters’ from Nagaland, EDM DJ Ali Burrni and DJ Anna are some of the names that will enthral the audience at the festival. All performances from April 30 to May 2 will be held at Leh’s Sonam Wangchuk Stadium.

In addition, the event will be graced by the frontline warriors of the Indian Army and Bollywood artistes Richa Chadda and Darshan Kumar. In its second half, the Ladakh International Music Festival will pay a special tribute to the martyrs of Galwan and war veterans of the Indian Army at Rezang La (18,045 ft) in the afternoon on May 4 by launching the Rezang La anthem.

The maiden Ladakh International Music Festival will be hosted by Picturetime in collaboration with the Indian Army. Music composer Joi Barua and his band will be performing the new anthem with Picturetime in metaverse / VR format for the Rezang La memorial.

Commenting on the occasion, music Composer, Joi Barua who is also Program Director, LIMF, says “I am so honoured to bring this festival & my music to the sacred land of Ladakh. I am aware of its special history in the context of Rezang La. This is our tribute to the spirit of Ladakh & the Indian Army . This festival will be proud to showcase the rich musical talent of Ladakh to the rest of the world. As a 1st time initiative I am so excited to see what surprises are in store”.

GOC-in-C Northern command and LG, UT Ladakh will likely grace the event and also launch the Rezang La Anthem. The anthem will also soon be telecast abroad.

On the Indian Army playing such a pivotal role in the festival, Major General Akash Kaushik, Chief of Staff, Fire & Fury Corps, says, “The Indian Army has a rich musical tradition and a penchant to assist the local populace. Bringing these two aspects together we decided to organise this music fest with a twin-fold aim, to give an opportunity to the young population of Ladakh to enjoy an international music festival as also to showcase the talent of young Ladakhi musicians to the country at large.”

He further said, “With this aim in mind we decided to ask bands from the rest of the country to work with us and all have obliged. Picturetime and Sky2ocean are two companies with similar ideals and it was natural for us to merge on these ideas and create a marquee event that shall resonate in the minds of the people for a long time.”

Sushil Chaudhary, Founder & CEO, Picturetime, member of the founding committee, LIMF, says “Ladakh International Music Festival brings local Ladakhi music bands an opportunity to play with nationals bands. And the Indian Army is setting an example to justify unity in diversity by not just being the perfect host but also providing a musical piece at Rezang La to enforce the ethos of our defence forces.”

“It is an honour and proud moment for us to be a part of a new original musical dedicated to our braves from Rezang La”, Sushil concluded.

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