President Kovind to visit Leh tomorrow

Srinagar, August 20

President Ram Nath Kovind will arrive in the border town of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday for his first official visit outside Delhi since taking oath of office.

The President will present the President's Colours to the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre and the five battalions of the regiment tomorrow, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told PTI.

The function will also be attended by Army chief General Bipin Rawat, who has already arrived in Leh, the official said.

This will be Kovind's first visit outside Delhi after taking oath as the 14th President of India.

The Army chief who arrived in Leh today on a two-day visit will take stock of the situation in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

General Rawat’s visit came five days after Chinese troops clashed with the Indian Army personnel near Pangong Lake on August 15.

The two sides engaged in stone pelting at each other, resulting in injuries to personnel from both sides.

Defence sources said General Rawat would be briefed about the general security situation along the Line of Actual Control with China and the operational preparedness of the troops deployed there.

He is also likely to visit some forward areas during his stay in Ladakh region, the sources said. — PTI