Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, Jan 11 : Several delegations from Kargil met with the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra to discuss matters concerning social welfare, education, tourism, sports, transport, infrastructure, and community development.
The interactions highlighted the commitment of both the administration and local communities toward inclusive development, social harmony and economic growth. All of them welcomed him to Kargil.
During the interactions, Administrative Secretaries Bhanu Prabha and Moses Kunzang; SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav and ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho were present and various other officers were present.
A delegation of Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT), led by Chairman Sheikh Sadiq Rajai, welcomed the Chief Secretary and presented a booklet showcasing the achievements and activities of the organization. The delegation emphasized the significance of civil society collaboration to foster social harmony and strengthen the local economy. Highlighting examples from Iran, they underlined the importance of organized institutions in modernism, education and social welfare. IKMT assured full cooperation with initiatives aimed at inclusive development and stressed that education, responsible citizenship, and social development are vital for sustained progress, prosperity, and long-term peace.
The delegation of Ahle-Sunnat-Wal Jamaat, led by President Khalid Bagh, highlighted the community’s efforts in running Pioneer Public School and emphasized the need for allotment of additional land for establishing and expanding the educational institution. Additionally, the delegation sought inclusion of religious holidays in the UT calendar or formal recognition of restricted religious holidays to support community observances.
The delegation of Anjuman Jamiatul Ulema Isna Ashriya, Kargil (JUIAK), led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zahidi, appreciated the administration’s outreach and assured full cooperation in public welfare initiatives. The delegation highlighted key issues in health, education, and social welfare, stressing the need for closer coordination between community institutions and the administration to address public concerns effectively. The members expressed hope of sustained development in future and extended an invitation to the Chief Secretary to visit the organization during his subsequent visit to Kargil.
The Buddhist Association of Kargil welcomed the Chief Secretary and raised the operationalization of Sham as a newly declared district. The delegation also highlighted matters concerning the preservation of the distinct culture and language of the Buddhist community in the region.
The Anjuman Sofiya Noorbakshia, Kargil, welcomed the Chief Secretary and raised the issue of the Mini Secretariat in Kargil, particularly pertaining to matters of GAD while stressing the importance of its effective functioning. The delegation also expressed serious concerns over the shortage of a gynaecologist under NHM at the Drass Hospital along with issues related to doctor rosters and duties in Drass requesting administrative action to ensure smooth medical services.
The All Kargil Travel Trade Association (AKTTA) discussed tourism, infrastructure and regional accessibility. Key points included finding alternate arrangements for the Zojila Route during peak tourist seasons, encouraging outside investment in tourism infrastructure and promoting strategic border tourism in Kargil. The delegation highlighted Mushko Valley and Point-43 as areas with potential for border tourism development. They also requested hosting more Khelo India events, winter sports like ice hockey and skating and requested to start subsidy under the IDSS scheme. The Chief Secretary assured appropriate follow-up on these matters.
A delegation of the All Ladakh Transport Association (ALTA), Kargil called on the Chief Secretary and raised concerns regarding contract carriage permits, registration fees, fitness certificates for older vehicles and taxation concessions. The Chief Secretary assured that all matters would be examined, including clarifications under SO 95.
The Anjuman-e-Sahib Zaman Sankoo welcomed the Chief Secretary and highlighted the community’s role in the Sankoo region and discussed the tourism potential of the Suru Valley which has gained recognition after National Geographic declared it as one of the twenty five (25) favoured tourist destinations. The region’s importance as a cultural and tourism hub was also emphasized.
The Merchant Association of Kargil focused on traffic congestion, parking infrastructure, street lighting, pedestrian safety and beautification of the Old Bazaar. The Chief Secretary directed concerned authorities to address these issues promptly.
The Olympic Association of Kargil requested infrastructure support for horse polo, ice hockey, and winter sports, including an all-weather ice hockey rink, equipment, and talent identification for national representation. It also emphasized the need for a Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre of Excellence and requested extension of the Ladakh Sports Policy. The Chief Secretary assured appropriate follow-up on these initiatives.
The Hardass Village Committee met with the Chief Secretary to discuss allocation of the old land at Serthang currently under Indian Army’s occupation. The delegation stressed the need for a lift irrigation scheme and restoration of village canals to support local agriculture. The Chief Secretary directed submission of a detailed proposal for administrative review and funding.
The Shargole delegation, led by Councillor Mohammad Jawad, stated that the inhabitants have identified an alternative land for a pending airport project. He further requested for a trauma hospital to address frequent road accidents and sought upgrades to educational facilities including school expansion and hostel capacity enhancement.
Mr. Jasbir Singh of the Sikh Prabandhak Committee of Kargil raised the issue of reservation highlighting that under the new reservation rules, the Sikh community has not been granted any reservation in jobs despite being a recognized minority. He sought consideration for reservation benefits to ensure equal opportunities in employment for the community.
Other delegations included in-service Gardeners of Horticulture Department highlighting service matters, the Archery Association seeking establishment of practice facilities grounds and availability of trained coaches. The delegation from Tumail Village sought intervention in the land allotment issue which has been unresolved since the landslide of 1987 when they were dislocated and resettled. Nurses of NHM requested enhancement of para-medical staff’s salaries while the Bar Association requested for the establishment of a consumer court apart from financial assistance for library books in the new court complex.
The Chief Secretary engaged with all delegations with patience and assured them that the administration would address genuine concerns in a timely and effective manner to promote development, social welfare and overall community well-being in Kargil and across Ladakh.
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