(1/n)This is the story of Leh airfield and Sonam Norbu, the first engineer from @MPLadakh who built it in 1948. The very runway, now the lifeline for India during the #IndiaChinaFaceOff . @vayusena @zone5aviation
(2/n) By Dec 1947, Pakistan aided tribals had advanced up the Shyok and Indus Valleys, the objective being Leh and ultimately the entire Ladakh. Leh at that time was garrisoned by a platoon of 33 men of the State Forces.
(3/n) With no other means available to reinforce the garrison, a company of 2 Dogra set out from Srinagar on 16 Feb 1948, across the Zojila on foot crossing it in winters perhaps for the first time. They were accompanied by Sonam Norbu, the first engineer from Ladakh.
(4/n) He carried Rs 13,000/- for constructing an airstrip at Leh. The party reached Leh on 08 March 1948. Construction of the airstrip between the Indus river bed and the town commenced on 12 Mar 1948 and a 2300 yards long makeshift airstrip was ready by 6 April 1948.
(5/n) Norbu had spent Rs 10891/- and deposited the balance amount of Rs 2109 -in the treasury. On 6 April 1948 he sent a wireless message requesting dispatch of aircraft and reinforcements.
(n/n) History was made when Mehar Singh landed the Piston engined Dakota at the 11,000 feet Leh airfield and helped save Ladakh. Sonam Norbu later joined the J&K PWD and as Chief Engineer with the BRO was instrumental in building the Srinagar-Leh road.
