Himachal Governor stresses good relations between HP, J&K

Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday stressed the need to maintain good relations between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

He also thanked the country’s leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility and said he would work for the overall development of the state while ensuring that all sections of society are taken along.

On his maiden visit to Jammu after he was sworn in as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh in a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan in Shimla, Gupta received a red-carpet welcome in his home state.

Interacting with the media persons in Jammu, Himachal Pradesh Governor expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi for allowing him to serve. “I thank the President and the Prime Minister for giving me this opportunity. After seven months, I have been given a chance to work in a large state. Their wishes and expectations would be that everyone in society is taken along and that work is done for the betterment of Himachal,” Gupta said.

Responding to a question about reports of people from Jammu and Kashmir allegedly facing harassment in Himachal Pradesh, the governor said, “Absolutely. I have not had much time yet, but good relations should exist between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal.”

He said Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh share deep cultural and historical links and that mutual respect and goodwill should be preserved. “Our language, culture and civilisation are similar. During the rule of the Dogra rulers, Himachal was also part of their state. Even today, songs here mention places like Chamba and Kangra. That mutual love and affection should be maintained,” Gupta said.

Gupta earlier on Thursday resigned from the post of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh after serving the Union Territory for over eight months.

The 66-year-old Gupta was appointed as the LG of the Union Territory on July 18, 2025. He was the third LG since it was carved out of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.

A senior BJP leader from Jammu, Gupta has previously served as deputy chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. He has also been the Mayor of Jammu.