Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, July 9: The demand for Union Territory (UT) for Ladakh and opening of Kailash-Mansrovar route emerged as most common and popular among over 29 delegations which met P Chidambaram -led Congress Policy Planning Group on Jammu and Kashmir at Leh today.
The delegation met cross sections of people, including political and social groups to know their views on the socio-political scenario prevailing in Ladakh region.
The deputations, who called on Policy Planning Group, briefed it about the social and political developments in Leh district. Many issues of public importance also came under discussion. The deputations discussed various issues with the CPPG, particularly the issues pertaining to overall development of the region and people as well.
The Group headed by former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram comprising former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Gulam Nabi Azad, State Congress chief GA Mir, CLP Leader Nawang Rigzin Jora and former MP Tariq Hamid Karra held detailed discussion with regard to overall development and other issues benefiting people at grass roots level.
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PCC chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir told the Excelsior that most of the delegations from Ladakh presented their view point and demands in decent manner and most of them have strongly projected the demand for Union Territory. “They are now realising that BJP which had promised them UT within six months of their Government formation, has duped them and this demand has been thrown into the cold storage. There is anger among the locals from Ladakh whether the people from trade, social or youth organisations or various political groups.”
Mir said since this demand was old but Congress tried to settle the issue and approved Hill Development Councils. But again in 2014, the BJP raised the issue and now, it has failed to honour its commitment to the people. They also raised other issues with regard to development, road/ communication network, border problems etc. “Their issues will be included in the document being prepared by the Congress Policy Planning Group on J&K,” Mir added.
The PCC chief disclosed that besides UT status, the other demands projected by the Ladakh groups included strengthening the powers of traditional Numberdars (Gobas) power instead of Panchayat system, inclusion of Bhoti language in 8th Schedule of Constitution, opening of Kailash- Mansarovar route, raising of Ladakh battalion, upgradation of All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra and delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies in Ladakh.
Some of the delegations who called on Central Policy Planning Group included, Anjuman Islam Leh, Ladakh Buddhist Association, Anjuman Imamia Leh, All Ladakh Gonpa Association, Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam Leh, Christian Community, District Congress Committee Leh, Ex Servicemen League, War Widows, Gallantry Awardees, Women’s of District Leh, Ex- Panchayats Representatives, All Ladakh Travel and Trade Association, Press Club of Leh, Merchants Association, Ladakh Students Union, Ladakh Coop Transport, Society, Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, Congress Councilors & Ex- Councilors of LAHDC, Ladakh Bus Coop. Ltd, Changthang Nomadic, Bar Association Leh, Namberdars Association, Sham Association, Nubra Delegation, Anjuman Sofiya Nurbaksh and All NGO Alliance and others.
Chidambaram and Azad will return to Union capital tomorrow morning while PCC chief GA Mir and Ex-MP Tariq Hamid Karra would return to Srinagar.
Meanwhile, more than 10 delegations today meet Congress Policy Planning Group in Kargil. The deputations who called on Policy Planning Group included Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council Kargil, Bar Association Kargil, Ahli Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Buddhist Association of Kargil, Sikh Minority, Hindu Minority, Merchant Association, EJAC Kargil, Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust, DCC Kargil, Zanaskar Sub Division and various other deputations apprised their issues and submitted the memoranda.
These delegations discussed current situation in the State particularly in the Valley and appealed Congress leaders to play their role to normalise the situation.
Talking to media, MLA Kargil, Asgar Karbalai said that the people of Kargil are against the trifurcation and “we need a peaceful settlement of current turmoil in Kashmir and once for all the solution of Kashmir issue.”
Accusing BJP, he said that the ruling BJP has pushed the State of Jammu and Kashmir into a tough situation. “By pulling out from the coalition BJP has expressed its failure to tackle the situation in the State.
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