Srinagar, Aug 14 (KINS): Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and raised several issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including restoration of statehood, strategic connectivity, border development, employment and tourism.
He urged the Defence Minister to use his good offices for the early restoration of statehood and constitutional rights to Jammu and Kashmir. He said people had participated enthusiastically in the 2024 Assembly elections with the expectation that the democratic process would be followed by restoration of statehood. He also referred to assurances given by the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister and stressed that these commitments should be fulfilled.
The MP also sought early completion of the 120-km Sumbal–Bandipora–Gurez road and its development as a Strategic National Highway. He highlighted the importance of the proposed Razdan Pass Tunnel, saying an all-weather route would improve the movement of security forces, essential supplies and civilians to Gurez, which remains cut off for long periods during winter.
He raised employment issues concerning residents of the Tangdhar border area. He requested increasing the number of local porters engaged in the area from 400 to 1,000. He also sought special recruitment drives in the Army and BSF for eligible youth from Kupwara and other border and remote areas.
He further requested continuation and strengthening of defence-related labour procurement arrangements, saying these provide an important source of livelihood for local workers and suppliers in border areas.
The MP also proposed a cable-car service from Drangyari to Nichaan via Sadhna Top to promote tourism and provide an alternative means of connectivity during harsh winter months. He said the project could create employment opportunities while boosting border tourism.
Ramzan also stressed the need to improve the Machil–Keran–Tangdhar road network, highlighting the strategic importance of these routes. He pointed out that BRO’s 109 RCC is maintaining important roads, including Chowkibal–Tangdhar, Meelyal–P-Gali–Keran and Z-Gali–Machil.
In Poonch, he sought development of the approximately 39-km Gali Maidan–Gagrian–Sawijan–Batalkot–Loran road as a Border Zero Line Road. He said the road would improve strategic connectivity and benefit Vibrant Villages by supporting local development and economic activity.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan that the issues raised by him would receive due consideration and that appropriate steps would be taken on matters related to strategic connectivity, border employment and infrastructure.(KINS)
Ramzan Chowdhary raises Statehood, Border connectivity and employment issues with Rajnath Singh
