SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, stating that administrative reorganisation would not alter their historical relationship. He also urged Ladakh’s leadership to raise awareness about student quotas in J&K, as many seats remain unutilised.
Chairing a meeting with a delegation from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Abdullah discussed key issues concerning Ladakh students, patients, and residents in J&K. He assured the delegation that a help desk managed by Ladakh administration staff would be set up at SKIMS and other super-speciality hospitals in Kashmir to assist patients from Kargil and Leh.
The delegation, led by LAHDC Kargil Chairman Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Member of Parliament Ladakh Haji Mohd Haneefa Jan, raised concerns regarding the appointment of nodal officers for Ladakh patients in J&K hospitals, expansion of student hostels in Srinagar and Jammu, and the admission of more Ladakh students in J&K colleges. They also sought tourism promotion for Kargil through events in Srinagar.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana assured that issues related to roads, drinking water, and essential services would be addressed on priority.
The delegation expressed gratitude for the J&K government’s proactive approach and commitment to improving facilities for Ladakh residents.
