Focus on Statehood, Kargil-Skardu Road
KARGIL: Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) Chairman Sajjad Kargili, accompanied by Member of Parliament Haji Haneefa Jan and KDA Co-Chairman Haji Asgar Karbalai, on Thursday placed a series of political, administrative and humanitarian demands before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, during the committee’s visit to Kargil.
According to a statement issued by Kargili, the delegation urged the committee to accord priority to Ladakh’s long-pending demand for Full Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, describing both as the democratic aspirations of the people of the Union Territory.
The delegation also sought the early reopening of the historic Kargil-Skardu Road, describing it as a vital link with historical, cultural and humanitarian significance. It further pressed for the establishment of a Regional Passport Office for Ladakh, along with a full-fledged Passport Office in Kargil, stating that improved passport services would ease access for residents, particularly those undertaking international travel.
The leaders also drew the committee’s attention to the situation of students from Kargil currently stranded in Iran and sought timely intervention to address their concerns.
Another issue raised during the interaction was the proposal to establish a meeting point at Hundarman along the Line of Control (LoC) to facilitate reunions between families in Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan who, according to the statement, have remained separated for decades.
Describing the interaction as constructive, Kargili said the delegation hoped the Parliamentary Standing Committee would give due consideration to the issues raised and facilitate appropriate action through the concerned authorities.
