Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, Sept 26: As part of a joint research project to explore the possibilities of economic development and technical feasibilities in Ladakh region, the Depart-ment of National Security Studies at the Central University of Jammu jointly organized a workshop on “Cross LoC Trade CBMs in the Ladakh Region” in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAH-DC), Kargil .
A high level delegation of academician and experts, led by Prof Amitabh Mattoo , Advisor to the Chief Minister J&K, and Prof Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor of CUJ, also visited Hunderman Brok, a village adjacent to the LoC along Suru river and interacted with the divided families.
Prof Amitabh Mattoo said that the role of academic institutions is to think strategically for the long-term benefits rather than get into short-term but tactical discourses. “The diversity of the region should be recognized before any policy formulation,” he added.
Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, CEC of the LAHDC, said that opening of Kargil-Skardu road would not only facilitate trade and revive old ‘silk route’ but also strengthen people to people contact as there are 18000 families divided across the LoC
Prof Ashok Aima said that the CUJ has been working on to enhance its regional outreach by establishing institutional contacts across the country in general and J&K State in particular.
Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai, MLA of Kargil, alleged that the New Delhi was indifferent to their long-term demands of opening of Skardu-Kargil route.
The workshop also deliberated on the impact of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Kargil. The moot question was whether CPEC poses an opportunity or challenges for India? It was also touched upon the opening of alternate route to Amarnath Yatra from Baltal.
Prof Dipankar Sengputa from Jammu University, argued that CPEC offers great opportunity for India if it really wants to get an easy access to Central Asia for energy and trade.
Urging the civil society for out-of-box thinking to build trust within the region through innovative methods Prof Mallika Joseph assured that the department of National Security Studies continues to engage with the civil society for lasting peace and stability.
Ghulam Hassan Khan, DC, Kargil; Gulzar Munshi, Curator Kargil; .Tsering Angdus, Councillor of LAHDC; Puchok Tashi, Councillor LAHDC from Zanaskar; Mohammad Sadiq Hardassi, Balti Writer; Dr Jabin T Jacob, ICS New Delhi; Dr Chhering Tandup, Ranjan Sharma and Anayat Ali Shotopa were present. Dr J Jeganaathan, briefed the participants about the workshop and presented the findings of Leh workshop.
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