New Delhi, April 17 (KINS): Members of Parliament Chowdhary Mohd Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and Shammi Oberoi, along with MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Parliament House in New Delhi on Friday and raised several public concerns and developmental demands related to Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation thanked the Defence Minister for approving the Machil–Keran and Gurez tunnel projects and urged that work on them be expedited, given their strategic and public importance.
They also highlighted the need for the Handwara–Wadderbala–Bangus road, describing it as an important route for local connectivity and tourism, particularly for visitors to Bangus Valley. The delegation demanded that the road be brought under the supervision of the Border Roads Organisation (Beacon) to ensure better maintenance and development.
Among other demands, the delegation sought that the Sumbal–Gurez road be declared a Strategic National Highway. They also urged the opening of the Dras–Gurez road for traffic to reduce the hardships faced by local residents.
The leaders further pressed for the early execution of several major infrastructure projects, including the Lolab–Bandipora Tunnel, the Kishtwar–Padder–Zanskar road and the Badoab–Sonamarg road. They said these projects are crucial for improving connectivity, promoting tourism and strengthening regional development.
The delegation also brought to the notice of the Defence Minister the issue of the military camp at Zachaldara in Handwara. They said the camp was established in the early 1990s during a difficult phase in Jammu and Kashmir and had played a significant role in maintaining law and order during the peak of militancy.
However, they pointed out that with the expansion of civilian habitation over the years, the camp now lies in the middle of a densely populated market area and is surrounded by schools, mosques, health centres and other public institutions. They said this causes inconvenience to residents, restricts movement, especially during evening hours, and creates difficulties during medical emergencies.
The delegation demanded that the camp be shifted to a more suitable alternative site in the area so that both security requirements and public convenience can be ensured.(KINS)
NC MPs, MLAs meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seek faster execution of key J&K infrastructure projects
