Jammu, Jan 06: The Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Tuesday took up long-pending issues affecting Ladakhi students and residents during a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here.
Officials said Akhoon firmly highlighted the difficulties faced by students from Ladakh while seeking admission to colleges and universities in Jammu and Kashmir. He drew attention to procedural hurdles, lack of clarity in admission rules, and limited institutional support, which, he said, continue to put Ladakhi students at a disadvantage. Akhoon stressed that without timely intervention, many students risk losing academic years.
Responding to the concerns, the Chief Minister assured that the J&K government would extend full cooperation and take steps to ensure that Ladakhi students are not denied fair access to educational institutions.
The LAHDC Chairman also raised serious concerns over the condition of Ladakhi residential colonies in Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out the persistent shortage of basic civic amenities, including drinking water, sanitation, proper roads, and other essential facilities, which has affected the daily lives of residents for years.
Akhoon urged the J&K administration to move beyond assurances and ensure time-bound measures for improving living conditions in these colonies. Omar Abdullah, officials said, acknowledged the issues and assured that necessary action would be initiated to address the gaps in basic services.
During his visit, Akhoon also met J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq, and reiterated the urgency of resolving student-related and civic issues affecting Ladakhis living in Jammu and Kashmir.
Later, Akhoon met the Minister for Education, Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, and pressed for early consideration of the one-time exemption (OTE) demand for lecturers. The minister assured that the matter would be examined without delay.
Officials said the engagements underlined the Ladakh leadership’s push for concrete action on education and civic welfare issues that have remained unresolved for far too long.
