LEH/NEW DELHI: Ladakh Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa Jan Tuesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and presented a comprehensive memorandum highlighting the pressing political, administrative and developmental concerns of the people of Ladakh.
The extensive discussions covered multiple critical issues requiring immediate government intervention.
The MP urged the immediate convening of the High-Powered Committee to deliberate on the formal proposal submitted by Apex Leh and KDA Kargil representatives requesting full Statehood for Ladakh, constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule, and other vital protections.
Mohmad Haneefa emphasized that a prompt and transparent resolution would restore confidence among Ladakh’s residents and ensure long overdue political and constitutional safeguards.
Addressing the unfortunate September 24 incident in Leh, Shri Haneefa clarified that the unintentional violence was driven by accumulated youth frustration stemming from unemployment crisis and unresolved constitutional demands.
He requested adequate compensation and government job for families of the deceased. He also appealed for a one-time healing measure through withdrawal of cases against those booked or detained and compassionate resolution, including the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, to support peace and reconciliation in Ladakh.
Haneefa Jan conveyed concern over the withdrawal of delegated financial powers from UT Ladakh, noting that routing all approvals up to ₹100 crore to the Ministry will delay critical works and weaken decentralised governance. He urged urgent restoration of earlier powers to ensure timely development in Ladakh’s short working season.
The MP raised serious concerns regarding University of Ladakh’s violation of the Ladakh Reservation Ordinance 2025, demanding immediate halt to ongoing recruitment and strict compliance with 85% local reservation for Ladakh residents plus 10% EWS quota.
He requested formal clarification and declaration of the University as a full-fledged State University to ensure transparent, legally sound recruitment practices.
Critical infrastructure and developmental issues discussed included immediate operationalization of civil air services at Kargil Airport using 19-20-seater aircraft and a fresh feasibility survey for a new Kargil airport to enhance connectivity during harsh winter months.
The meeting also covered urgent healthcare needs, particularly the approval and expedited implementation of Kargil District Hospital upgradation from 75 to 200 beds and establishment of an AIIMS or PGI extension campus for multi-speciality healthcare services.
Haneefa stressed that formal notification and institutional setup of five newly announced districts must be expedited, and additional districts Sankoo-Suru and Shakar Chiktan-Shargole should be included to serve their densely populated areas.
He also highlighted the recurring damage caused by flash floods and cloudbursts in Ladakh and sought a one-time financial package for desilting Nallas and building protective infrastructure.
He also urged disaster classification for recent climate related horticulture losses and requested timely compensation and support for affected farmers.
Educational infrastructure concerns included budgetary allocation for the sanctioned Engineering College and prompt sanctioning of Government Degree Colleges at Sankoo and Bogdang Turtuk.
The MP advocated for full operationalization of Kargil Traffic Police Headquarters, establishment of new border battalion headquarters in Kargil with adequate personnel posting, and raising of an additional BSF battalion with restoration of the pre-1999 BSF transit camp to address youth unemployment.
Beyond these specific matters, comprehensive discussions were held on other pressing developmental and infrastructural needs of Ladakh.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with Union Home Minister assuring the MP that he will personally review all matters raised and coordinate with concerned ministries and authorities to facilitate their expedited resolution.
Haneefa thanked the Home Minister for his patient hearing and sympathetic consideration of Ladakh’s genuine demands.
He expressed confidence and hope that these pressing issues will receive due priority for the comprehensive welfare and development of the people of Ladakh, who have consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the nation’s security and prosperity.
