KL Desk
Srinagar
Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde landed in Kargil in his maiden visit to J&K after replacing P Chidambaram. He is interacting with the civil and security set up with apparent emphasis to review border security, reports from Kargil said.
Soon after landing in Kargil, Shinde presided over a meeting of the Ladkah Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil. Appreciating the role and sacrifice made by Kargil for the country, Shinde said the government will ensure development at a faster pace.
Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, the Chairman of the LAHDC, presented a charter of demands that included starting air service to the region, starting second tunnel on the Srinagar Kargil highway between Baltal and Menamarg, recruiting local youths in central forces, starting a chopper service to remote Zanskar and making more efforts for getting the Kargil-Skardu road reopened. The first tunnel on the highway, it may be recalled here, was started early this week when Surface Communications Minister C P Joshi flew with Rahul Gandhi to Gangangir.
Shinde assured his hosts that Kargil Airport runway extension will take place in two months. He also assured them that a special recruitment on eight class basis in BSF for North East States and J&K including Kargil. Later Shinde took off for Leh for the night sojourn during which he will also interact with the LAHDC, Leh and also visit some forward positions before taking off to Punjab Sunday morning, reports said.
