Kargil being overlooked on developmental fronts, says CEC
Kargil, Nov 23: Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, has expressed deep concern over what he termed the continued neglect of Kargil district on key developmental fronts by the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor. Reiterating the long-standing demand for equality, Dr Akhoon said Kargil deserves its fair share in all sectors and urged Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to address the district’s issues with urgency.
Speaking to the media in Kargil, Dr Akhoon alleged that LG Kavinder Gupta has been “consistently overlooking” the district in planning processes and official engagements. He said the administration’s approach reflects “a clear imbalance,” with priority being accorded to one district while Kargil’s concerns remain repeatedly sidelined.
He said several major projects for Kargil have faced prolonged delays or have been ignored outright, including the proposed Engineering College and the ongoing works at the Degree College in Sankoo. Dr Akhoon also criticised the continued uncertainty around the Kargil Airport project, attributing the lack of progress to what he described as administrative indifference.
“Kargil is being completely ignored. We do not figure anywhere. Whenever the LG meets central ministers, he forgets Kargil,” Dr Akhoon said. He added that while discriminatory treatment had eased during the tenure of the previous Lieutenant Governor, the situation under the current administration “has again worsened.”
He pointed to recent press releases from Raj Bhavan, noting they show repeated focus on a particular district while Kargil’s demands, proposals and concerns are missing. “This does not fit the Prime Minister’s slogan of sab ka saath, sab ka vikas, sab ka vishwas,” he said.
Dr Akhoon stressed that he is not opposing the development of any district but is seeking equitable attention for Kargil. He said Kargil has “no say” in major decisions because critical issues concerning the district are not raised in official interactions.
Referring to recent high-level meetings, Dr Akhoon said that when the LG met the Union Sports Minister and the Union Health Minister, the discussions again centred around one district. “There was no mention of Kargil,” he remarked, calling it a reflection of growing disparity in governance.
Appealing for a course correction, the Hill Council chairman urged the administration to give fair and just consideration to Kargil’s developmental needs. “The district must be treated at par with others in the Union Territory,” he said, reiterating that equality is not a demand but a fundamental right of the people of Kargil.
