New Delhi, August 14: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital on Tuesday to raise critical issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir, including the restoration of statehood, constitutional rights, strategic connectivity, and development in border areas.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the parliamentarian urged the Defence Minister, a senior figure in the Union Government, to actively facilitate the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights to Jammu and Kashmir. MP Ramzan highlighted the significant public enthusiasm witnessed during the 2024 Assembly elections, noting the widespread expectation that the democratic process would lead to the re-establishment of these rights. He referenced assurances from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, emphasizing the need to fulfill these commitments to strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
Strategic Connectivity and Border Development
The meeting also focused on accelerating the development of the 120-kilometre Sumbal-Bandipora-Gurez road. MP Ramzan advocated for its designation as a Strategic National Highway, citing its paramount importance for national security and the socio-economic progress of the Gurez sector. The proposed infrastructure includes the Razdan Pass Tunnel, aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity to Gurez, a crucial border constituency that faces prolonged winter closures due to snowfall.
The parliamentarian pressed for early progress on the Razdan Pass Tunnel, explaining that an all-weather passage would significantly enhance the movement of security forces, essential supplies, and civilians, thereby bolstering connectivity with border areas. He further discussed the critical need for improved road connectivity to the Machil-Keran-Tangdhar road network. The Border Roads Organisation’s 109 RCC is already engaged in maintaining vital routes in these strategically significant regions.
Additionally, MP Ramzan proposed the development of the Gali Maidan-Gagrian-Sawijan to Batalkot-Loran road in Poonch District, a stretch of approximately 39 kilometres, as a Border Zero Line Road. He underscored that this road would not only fortify border connectivity and strategic movement but also support the development of Vibrant Villages in Poonch district.
Employment and Defence Labour Procurement
Addressing employment concerns, the MP requested an increase in the number of local porters employed by the Army and other security establishments in the Tangdhar border area, from the current 400 to 1,000, to provide sustainable livelihoods. He also called for special recruitment drives for local youth from border and remote areas of Kupwara and adjoining regions in the Indian Army and Border Security Force.
The discussion also encompassed the continuation and strengthening of the Defence Labour Procurement system. MP Ramzan sought assurances that this system, a vital source of livelihood for local workers and suppliers in border regions, would be maintained to support local economies.
Tourism and Infrastructure Proposals
The parliamentarian also put forth a proposal for a cable-car service connecting Drangyari to Nichaan via Sadhna Top. This initiative aims to promote border tourism and provide an alternative mode of connectivity during harsh winter months when road travel is severely impeded. Such infrastructure, he argued, could simultaneously foster local employment and ensure year-round accessibility.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan that all issues raised would be given due consideration and that appropriate steps would be taken by the Ministry concerning strategic connectivity, border area employment, and infrastructure development.
The Chenab Times News Desk