To appraise the various demands and grievances, delegations of the political, social and religious organization met Dineshwar Sharma, Centre’s special representative for J&K on March 12 in Kargil. 

While expressing gratefulness to the Government of India for clearing the Zojila Tunnel Project and the inclusion of Kargil under UDAN 2 scheme, the joint delegation urged for timely allocation of financial resources to start the work on the tunnel project at earliest and the air services to the district under UDAN beside expansion and renovation of Kargil Airport. 

Demands put forth by delegation includes, to vacate the Kurbathang plateau by the Army authorities, construction of hydel project at Suru Valley, establishment of medical college in Ladakh, reservation in admissions to PG and PhD courses at the University level, enhanced employment opportunities to the unemployed youth in Central Services, inclusion of Kargil as an inspirational district by Niti Aayog, construction of Kargil Sarai at Delhi, restoration of the reservation in promotion to ST employees, grant of provincial status to Ladakh region, construction of alternate highways and motorable roads like Panikhar-Pahalgam Road, Hanu-Tiakshi Road over Chorbat La besides the opening of Kargil-Skardu and Nubra-Khapulu Roads.

A delegation led by Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan, CEC urged upon the resolution of Kashmir issue which directly impacts the socio-economic and socio-political landscape of Kargil.  Empowerment of LAHDC by providing additional financial assistance on annual basis, extension and up gradation of Kargil airstrip, construction of airstrip at Zanskar, the establishment of a separate wing of Ladakh Scouts for unemployed youth of the district were also put forward.

Meanwhile, delegation of Buddhist Association, Kargil demanded for the creation of a third district comprising the areas from Shargole to Khaltsi, grant of UT status to Ladakh region, inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, passage of the Minority Property Safety Act Bill, construction of Buddhist temple, sarai and cremation ground in Kargil town, constitution of special team to oversee the status of developmental activities in Buddhist villages of the district besides the  opening of higher secondary schools for girls. 

Among other delegations who met the special representative included a joint delegation from Zanskar Sub Division which projected a number of demands like grant of UT status to Ladakh, grant of district status to Zanskar, delimitation of Zanskar Legislative Assembly Constituency, inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, early completion of Nimoo Padum Darcha Road, construction of no frill airport at Zanskar, construction of separate division under PWD Circle Kargil for effective execution of works on NH 301, inclusion of Darcha Padum Kargil Road as an alternate route for Amarnath Yatra, development of tourism infrastructure under PMDP, up gradation of health facilities, development of education sector besides restoration of IAF chopper service for evacuation of serious patients.  

People from the border areas of Kaksar, Badgam, Karkitchu, Latoo and Hardass talked about the provision of ALC certificate to the residents of these areas, allotment of land vacated by Indian Army to the local residents and special quota to the youth of the area in belt forces.