Leh, Apr 1: A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Drass on Tuesday met former Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the BJP-led Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, raising a range of administrative and developmental concerns, including the unresolved boundary issues between Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir and the long-pending demand for district status for Drass.
The delegation, led by District President Fayaz Ahmed Qari, submitted a memorandum outlining what it described as pressing issues affecting the region. Foremost among these was the need for a clear roadmap to address the boundary dispute between Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, with members urging Gyalson to intervene with the Union Territory administration to facilitate a peaceful and timely resolution.
The leaders also pressed for the early notification of Drass as a separate district, arguing that an independent administrative structure is necessary to strengthen governance and improve the delivery of public services in the remote region.
During the meeting, the delegation drew attention to the ongoing construction of the Ladakh Sarai at Sonamarg, a facility intended to assist passengers travelling along the Srinagar–Leh highway, particularly during emergencies. They informed that land for the project had already been acquired by the administration, and emphasised the need for timely execution.
Tourism development in Drass also featured prominently in the discussions. The delegation highlighted the region’s potential as a destination within Ladakh and called for the formulation of a comprehensive master plan to promote tourism in a structured manner. They urged Gyalson to take up the proposal with higher authorities.
Responding to the concerns, Gyalson appreciated the delegation for bringing forward issues affecting the people of Drass and assured them that he would raise the matters with the Union Territory administration as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs for further consideration.
