In Ladakh, over 3,500 civilians were airlifted by the Indian Air Force during this winter through its various aircrafts, which is a commendable feat keeping in view the arduous weather conditions. For the first time, Indian Air Force used its Chinook Helicopter to airlift people from Zanskar valley.<br />'' <br />''The Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Air Force (IAF) , the UT Administration and the Ladakh Divisional Commissioner for their continued support and smooth airlifting of residents of Kargil from Jammu and Srinagar. He has also thanked the IAF for operation of the Chinook helicopters for the first time for civilian use in the Zanskar Valley.<br />'' <br />''Mr Khan stated that 650 people were airlifted from Srinagar to Kargil, while 887 people were airlifted from Jammu to Kargil by the IAF this winter. In addition, 672 people were airlifted from Kargil to Jammu while 423 people were airlifted from Kargil to Srinagar. Majority of the airlifted citizens were students and people travelling for redressal of health issues. In addition to the 28 sorties of AN-32 service from Jammu and Srinagar to Kargil, four back to back air shuttles of the C-17 and C-130J were also pressed into service from Jammu to Leh and Srinagar to Leh respectively, the CEC said.<br />'' <br />''Mr Khan further said that 88 citizens were airlifted between Padum and Leh via the Chinook helicopters while a total of 702 passengers have been airlifted via the MI-17 Helicopters between Padum and Leh till date. Many passengers were airlifted to Chandigarh by the AN-32 Air Service. He also commended the role of the Department of Civil Aviation of UT, Ladakh as well as the State Coordinator AN-32 Courier Service Amir Ali for his proactive role in smooth conduct of the flights.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr Khan said that the UT Administration under the able guidance of the LG Ladakh R. K. Mathur has been successful in providing relief to the people of Ladakh despite the harsh winter conditions. </span><br />