VOL News Desk/ MP Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan Had a detailed and fruitful meeting with Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji regarding the long-pending demands and important developmental issues of Ladakh.

During the meeting MP Ladakh reminded the Hon’ble Home Minister that during the recent discussions between MHA and representatives of Ladakh, represented by Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body, a consensus was reached on several important issues concerning constitutional safeguards and a democratic setup for Ladakh. The Minutes of Meeting were subsequently finalised and signed by members from both sides. However, the Draft Proposal based on this consensus is still awaited. Further it was urged that it be brought forward and placed in the public domain at the earliest, so that the High-Powered Committee can consider and approve it without further delay.

Of the remaining two issues under the four-point agenda, It was strongly reiterated the demand for a Ladakh Public Service Commission, along with the need to fast-track pending government recruitment so that the youth of Ladakh do not suffer because of recruitment delays.

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The demand for two Parliamentary constituencies for Ladakh was raised, given the UT’s vast geographical expanse and unique administrative circumstances.

A major focus of the discussion was the need for a more equitable and balanced administrative reorganisation of Ladakh, particularly with regard to the concerns of the Kargil region. Furthermore it was stressed upon and demanded the creation of Sankoo-Suru and Shakar-Chiktan Shargole as separate districts, both of which have long-standing demands for district status. It was strongly highlighted that Sankoo-Suru is one of the most densely populated, geographically remote and administratively significant regions of Ladakh and therefore creation of new districts will ensure more accessible administration and balanced development for the people of these regions.

The issue of tehsil reorganisation was also taken up in detail. Of the 17 new tehsils created across Ladakh, the erstwhile Kargil district has received only four, with just two falling within Kargil and Drass district. At the same time, several major and densely populated areas still do not have even Nayabats. I demanded Nayabats in all major blocks of Kargil, their upgradation into tehsils, and additional sub-divisions for remote and densely populated areas of both Leh and Kargil region.

It was also urged Hon’ble Home Minister to ensure for early submission of Justice B.S. Chauhan Committee report so that the affected families and the people of Ladakh receive justice.

Several development and infrastructure priorities were also discussed, including regular civil air services from Kargil under UDAN, feasibility studies for airports at Kargil and Zanskar, major irrigation projects to address drought situation, a special relief package for flash-flood affected areas, strengthening healthcare facilities in Kargil, early operationalisation of Government Medical College Leh and Engineering College Kargil, Degree Colleges at Sankoo and Bogdang-Turtuk, and expediting the Panikhar-Pahalgam Road project.

Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji gave a very patient and positive hearing to all these issues and assured that the concerns raised would be looked into on priority. I am grateful for his time, understanding and assurance, and remain hopeful of early progress on these long-pending issues in the interest of the people of Ladakh.