Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Aug 22: The Department of National Security Studies at the Central University of Jammu, jointly organized two days workshop on “Cross LoC Trade CBMs in the Ladakh Region” in collaboration with the Ladakh International Centre at Leh. The workshop was supported by Conciliation Resources.
On the occasion, founder of Ladakh International Centre, Amb P Stobdan and the Vice Chancellor of CUJ, Prof Ashok Aima signed a MoU between the two institutes for joint research activities.
The workshop explored what are the economic potentials and technical feasibility for Cross LoC trade in the Ladakh region in terms of connectivity and infrastructure facilities. Enlightening the forum about the kinds of changes that are taking place internationally, Amb P Stobdan said perspectives are changing in favour of change and militarised borders need to be re-looked at.
A journalist from Kargil, Sajjad Hussain argued for opening of Kargil-Skardu route for trade. Sajjad has recently visited Baltistan and seen the State of affairs with the Balti people across the LoC.
Dr Chhering, a Geologist from Jammu University, observed that opening of Nyimo-Padum-Darsha road will reduce the distance of Ladakh to Dehi by 450 kms and it will change economic and trade activities drastically.
Talking about Ladakh being a trade hub in the past, former minister Pintoo Norbu said Ladakh was an open place until independence as trade with Central Asia and many other parts of world took place freely.
Most of the local stakeholders emphasized the need for opening of Skardo-Kargil, Turtuk-Khapulu, and Kailash Mansarover routes, which would eventually increase the trade and economic activities of Ladakh region.
Prof Dipankar Sengupta from JU He argued that India must join CPEC and take the Chinese OBOR strategy seriously, which not only stabilizes the region but also benefits India’s over all trade with Central Asian countries.
While discussing the impact of China, Dr Jabin Jacob from Institute of Chinese Studies, (ICS) mentioned that Chinese have no clue on the domestic responses from PoK as well as India.
Prof. Mallika Joseph, HoD of NSS, emphasized the importance of trade and travel CBMs that would bridge the trust deficit between the communities and state.
Prasanna Ramaswamy, Deputy Commissioner, Leh, P Namgyal, former Union Minister, J T Namgyal, Councillor, Sonam Wangchok SECMOL, Tsering Angmo, former Director AIR and Abdul Gani Sheikh also addressed in the workshop. Representatives from 14 Corps of Indian Army, ACD Moses Kunzang, research scholars, journalists and civil administrative officials attended the workshop.
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