Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid heartfelt tribute to the brave Indian soldiers at the Rezang La War Memorial in Chushul on June 17. The memorial commemorates the soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment who heroically laid down their lives during the 1962 war, led by the gallant Major Shaitan Singh, MVC.

During her visit, the Minister explored the museum and watched a short documentary film showcasing the unmatched courage and sacrifice of the Rezang La heroes.
Later, she visited Merak village near Pangong Lake to review the proposed site for the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)—envisioned to be India’s largest ground-based solar telescope. The project aims to advance solar research and monitor space weather phenomena.

Prof. Ravindra B., Project Manager from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), briefed the Minister on the technical aspects and long-term benefits of the NLST project. Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIA, also participated in the visit.

At Merak, the Finance Minister interacted with local representatives including the Councillor of Chushul constituency, Konchok Stanzin, Nambardars of Phobrang and Man-Merak villages, and members of local Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The delegations submitted memorandums highlighting their concerns and development-related demands.

The Minister was accompanied by Secretary Tourism Vikram Singh Malik, Secretary S&TW Department Shashanka Ala, Chief Conservator of Wildlife Sajjad Mufti, DC Leh Santosh Sukhadeve, SSP Leh Shruti Arora, and technical staff from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Hanle, along with other concerned officials.