MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and CEC, LAHDC, Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson discussed various issues and demands with Lt Gen PGK Menon, GoC 14 Corps on November 24.

MP and CEC highlighted the exemplary cordial relationship between the Indian Armed Forces and the civil population since independence and the support of Ladakhi people to the Armed Forces in situations of war and peace. Briefing about the transition phase of UT Ladakh, they said that the role of the Army in the progress of Ladakh has always remained crucial and will remain vital.
 
They stressed further strengthening and consolidating the existing cordial relation and cooperation between civil and army in Ladakh. 
 
Important demands and issues concerned with national security and welfare of Ladakhi people were discussed and deliberated at length in the meeting. They highlighted the establishment of a separate Command in Ladakh, an extension of Battalion in Ladakh Scout Regiment and opening of Women Battalion in Ladakh Scout, the opening of Sainik/Airforce/Military School in Leh Ladakh, functional of Advance Landing Ground of Chushul, Mudh, and Fukchey, construction of alternative Military Airport in Padum Zanskar and Wakha Thang. 
 
MP and CEC stressed on early completion of Nimoo-Padum-Darcha Road keeping in mind the strategic importance of this road for Ladakh and its people throughout the year. They also raised the issues of cooperative societies and transporters of Ladakh including the supply of local produce to the army, relaxation, and increase in the vintage value of Truck, Buses, and Taxis from current vintage restriction so that livelihood of people involved in this trade is taken care of. 
 
 Issues of local labourers engaged with the army in Ladakh including local labours at Siachen Glacier including better facilities like health, clothing, ration and handsome wages, preference to local while hiring manpower by army keeping in mind the endurance of local people at high altitude and sanctioning of USOF tower for Border villages and other villages which are yet to be covered under mobile network were discussed during the meeting. 
 
MP and CEC also stressed on the early constriction of Chushul-Dungti-Demjok-Fukchey Road, construction of Multipurpose Tunnels at Khardongla, Changla, Namkila, Zingral-Tharuk and Photola in Ladakh, deployment of soldiers of the Ladakh Scout Regiment on Indo China Border given the Jawans of Ladakh Scouts being the son of soils and familiar with the terrain, construction of Bunkar for Civilian living along the border to protect their Lives in an emergency, permission/NOC from MoD for Installation/operationalization of Mobile Tower already sanctioned in Border areas of Ladakh, formal permission/order for tourists visiting Siachen base, use of Mobile (BSNL) towers under army authority by civilian living along the border without any restriction/interruption. 
 
Also, they demanded the release of land under Army occupation in Leh town and its periphery, especially village pasture land and State land meant for a public purpose and assured the Defense Minister that LAHDC, Leh will provide alternative land at a suitable location for Army. Civilian land under the Army's occupation at border villages need to either vacate or pay compensation/rent as resentment is brewing among the public due to loss of their source of livelihood. 
 
Release of three acres of land from Air Force control at Thoise Nubra to make the UDAN scheme implementable, easing out of restriction along border for native locals to take their livestock for grazing on traditional pasture land, increase in the tonnage volume on army aircraft during winter month to provide vegetables and other essential items to provide better and nutritious food to people especially during the COVID pandemic, relaxation in guidelines for procurement of Milk, Vegetable and Hay from local vendors of Ladakh to encourage Vocal for Local slogan with Mission Atma-nirbar Bharat, scaling up of Operation Sadbhavna, an extension of Northern Grid to Changthang region and approval of ₹135 Cr worth DPR submitted by ITBP to MHA get access of Northern Grid to Changthang region were also raised strongly during the meeting. 
 
Lt Gen PGK Menon GoC 14 Corps assured MP and CEC that the army will extend all possible steps in further strengthening the existing cordial relation and cooperation between civil and army in Ladakh. He further assured that the army will exercise on all the issues and demands and come up with a report at the earliest.