KARGIL, JUNE 27, 2021: During the interaction of Defence Minister Rajnath with the senior elected representatives of Kargil, Leh and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council today at Leh with a focus on the overall development of the regions, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan discussed a number of issues pertaining to Kargil District.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a 3-day visit to Ladakh beginning today.

CEC Feroz Ahmad Khan while discussing various issues related to Kargil District also projected a number of demands to the Defence Minister which included among others the request for grant of approval of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India (GoI) for implementation of the MoU for vacation of Lower Kurbathang Plateau, other land issues like handing over of 200 kanals of land at Kaksar, land issues at Poyen, providing of free passage to local grazers at Mushkoo Valley, rental compensation to owners of land under Army at Niril Kaksar, engagement of local porters for transportation of logistics to forward posts, continuation of the Defence Labour Procurement Office (DLPO) in Kargil for further strengthening of civil military ties in the region, allocation of proportionate quota for youth of Kargil District in Ladakh Scouts, expediting works from Chilling to Nerak on the Nimmu-Darcha-Padum Road, resolution of the local transporters engaged in military transportation works, opening of Army/Sainik School in Kargil and restoration/re-establishment of DRDO institute in Kargil.

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Other demands projected by the CEC, Kargil included demand for engagement of local laborers in BRO works to give them employment opportunities, providing of NOC by the Army for erection of mobile telecom towers in border areas of Kargil district and accord of sanction for improvement/up-gradation of KD Road under an appropriate scheme of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India keeping in view its importance as the alternate route from Kargil to Leh.

The CEC Kargil also urged the Defence Minister for extension of the jurisdiction of Project Vijayak from Zero Point Zojila up to Baltal Sonamarg to resolve issues arising in clearance and maintenance of the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway, and also requested for his intervention for release of funds under BADP in the district which have not been released for the last 2 years.

While expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Defence in general and the Defence Minister in particular for facilitating the people of Kargil by providing AN-32 and IL-76 aircrafts of the Indian Air Force for ferrying the people to and fro, and transportation of essential commodities in the district besides ensuring the movement of people outside the district for various purposes including medical, education and other affairs, the CEC urged the Defence Minister to issue necessary directions for smooth and timely operation of these aircrafts for benefit of the local population.

The CEC also extended thankfulness to the Ministry of Defence, GoI for providing their heavy aircrafts for airlifting of essential commodities including fresh vegetables and fruits to Kargil District during the winter season, and urged the Defence Minister for enhancement of tonnage quota in view of the rising demand for essential commodities due to the increase in population.   

The Defence Minister gave a patient hearing to all concerns and demands projected by the CEC, and assured him to consider all issues for suitable follow up measures.