New Delhi: Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon today met with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi to discuss various issues of Kargil district.
During the meeting, CEC Akhoon submitted a memorandum highlighting various demands and sought the intervention of the CDS for their resolution.
CEC Kargil requested the allocation of a defined quota for the youth of Kargil in Ladakh Scouts and emphasized the need for a special recruitment drive in paramilitary forces. He highlighted that aspirants from Kargil were recently denied participation in an ITBP recruitment drive, calling for immediate intervention to ensure equal opportunities for the youth of the region.
Dr. Akhoon urged the early evacuation of the Kurbathang Plateau, currently occupied by defence authorities, to facilitate the expansion of Kargil town. He emphasized that the limited land available for civilians is causing congestion and affecting infrastructure development. He appealed to the CDS to take up the matter with the Ministry of Defence for the transfer of the plateau to the civil administration.
CEC urged for the establishment of a Mountain Defence Studies Research Centre at Kargil keeping the importance of the Kargil War Memorial in Drass as a major attraction for patriotic citizens and tourists.
The CEC proposed the establishment of a Mountain Defence Studies Research Centre in Kargil to honour the sacrifices of soldiers and to promote advanced research in mountain warfare.
Furthermore, the CEC asked for a Joint Venture Flight Service for Civilians and Army. Dr Akhoon highlighted the need for a joint venture flight service that would cater to both civilians and the armed forces. He pointed out the challenges faced by civilians due to limited air connectivity, especially during harsh winters, and encouraged the CDS to explore the feasibility of a shared air service to improve accessibility for people of Kargil.
General Anil Chauhan responded positively to the demands and assured that the concerns of the people of Kargil would be taken up with the relevant authorities. He acknowledged the strategic and developmental importance of the region and expressed positive response to work on these issues in coordination with the Ministry of Defence.
Later, CEC Kargil expressed gratitude to the CDS for his positive assurance and hoped for early action on the long pending demands of the region.
