{ INTERVIEW } KAVINDER GUPTA, LADAKH LT GUV 'Govt not against statehood ask'

Kavinder Gupta, 65, who took oath as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh last week, is the first political figure to hold the top job since the strategic region was carved out as a Union Territory from the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state in August 2019. Ina telephonic interview with HT, Gupta, a former deputy CM of J8&K, listed bringing Ladakh on the world map for tourism, addressing unemployment and boosting infrastructure as his priorities, exuding confidence in his ability to deal witha longstanding demand for statehood and Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Edited excerpts:

- Ravi Krishnan Khajuria

You have been appointed ata time when the people of Ladakh are demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Though the Centre has the last words, how are you going to address these sensitive issues?

Talks are already on, The Centre is notagainst their demands buta decision will be madeafier careful thought. The Centre has already given them five new districts, with the count nowat seven. With requisite funds, the region will see all-round development.