Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, Ashok Kumar Lahiri, visited Drass district in the Union Territory of Ladakh on August 28. He was received by Brigadier Ashish Bhalla (Sena Medal), Station Commander, 56 Mountain Brigade; Deputy Commissioner Drass, Imteeaz Kacho; and Superintendent of Police Drass, Ishtyaq Kacho.

The Vice-Chairman visited the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, where he was briefed by Army officials about the historical significance of the memorial and the valour and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War of 1999.

A ceremonial wreath-laying ceremony was held during which Lahiri paid tributes to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation during the Kargil War. He subsequently visited the memorial area dedicated to the fallen heroes, where he paid his respects and remembered their extraordinary courage, patriotism and sacrifice.

The Vice-Chairman also visited the Manoj Pandey Gallery, where he viewed photographs, exhibits and documents depicting various aspects of the Kargil War. He was briefed about the significant events associated with the conflict and the heroic contributions of the Indian Armed Forces during the war.