Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, met with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi on April 4 to discuss key developmental and strategic concerns of the Kargil district.

During the meeting, Dr. Akhoon submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting various long-pending demands and sought the intervention of the CDS for their resolution.

One of the primary issues raised was the allocation of a dedicated quota for youth from Kargil in the Ladakh Scouts, along with the need for a special recruitment drive in the paramilitary forces. He cited a recent instance where aspirants from Kargil were denied participation in an ITBP recruitment drive and called for immediate measures to ensure equal opportunities for the region’s youth.

Dr. Akhoon also emphasized the urgent need for the evacuation of the Kurbathang Plateau—currently under the control of defence authorities—to enable the expansion of Kargil town. He noted that the scarcity of civilian land has resulted in urban congestion and limited infrastructure development. He appealed to the CDS to facilitate the transfer of the plateau to the civil administration by taking up the matter with the Ministry of Defence.

The CEC further proposed the establishment of a Mountain Defence Studies Research Centre in Kargil, considering the significance of the Kargil War Memorial in Drass as a major patriotic and tourist destination. The centre, he said, would honour the sacrifices of soldiers and promote research in high-altitude and mountain warfare.

Additionally, Dr. Akhoon advocated for a Joint Venture Flight Service for both civilians and the Army. He highlighted the critical challenges faced by civilians due to poor air connectivity, particularly during winter months, and encouraged the CDS to explore the possibility of a shared flight service to enhance accessibility in the region.

General Anil Chauhan responded positively and assured that the concerns of the people of Kargil would be taken up with the relevant authorities. He acknowledged the region's strategic and developmental importance and expressed willingness to coordinate with the Ministry of Defence on the raised issues.

Later, CEC Kargil expressed gratitude to the CDS for his assurance and conveyed hope for early resolution of the longstanding demands of the people of Kargil.