A massive peace protest rally demanding immediate redressal of grievances faced due to lack of basic facilities was carried out from Maney Rignmo till Area Development Officer/ SDM’s office on February 21 in Padum.
 
The rally was organised by Ladakh Buddhist Association -Youth wing, Zanskar and Lambardar Association Zanskar.  People from different villages including Numbardars, village representatives, monks from different monasteries and women groups joined the rally. The entire business establishment remained closed for one day.
 
The protestors demanded separate district status for Zanskar, speedy completion of Nimoo Padum Darcha road project, visit of Hill Council, Kargil officials to redress the issues, opening of a mechanical sub-branch office at Zanskar with workshop, opening of medical aid centre at Ralakung, appointment of permanent technical operator for BSNL Zanskar, simplifying the defunct BSNL communication system, immediate clearance of snow from the roads, and opening of JKBOSE Sub Office at Zanskar.
 
A copy of memorandum was handed over to the Area Development Officer, Zanskar.
 
Stanzin Tundup, President, LBA Youth Wing, Zanskar stressed on the need of basic amenities to the people of Zanskar. He appraised Area Development Officer about the absence of medical aid centre at Ralakung, Zanskar. 
 
While interacting with the Area Development Officer, Stanzin Tundup and Tsering Chosphel, President, Lambardar Association,  Zanskar  highlighted the non-existence of permanent technical operator for BSNL Zanskar and requested him to appoint the same. Also, they informed about the poor condition of various roads and urged him to augment the pace of road repairs in the Zanskar. 
 
Stanzin Tundup urged the officer to boost the pace of work on the various outstanding road projects including the much-awaited Nimoo Padum Darcha road.
 
He said that the earliest clearance of snow towards Chaddar up to Sharlo (Last point to motorable road towards Leh) will make the lives of the local travelers better besides decreasing the time travel distance between Leh to Zanskar via Chaddar. 
 
The absence of proper medical facilities and necessary medical staff in the Zanskar were also raised.
 
The delegation also requested the SDM / ADO to ensure all the Govt. welfare schemes available for the people of Zanskar as most of the time local people are unable to take benefit due to the lack of awareness and outreach programme carried out by the administration. 
 
The SDM / ADO Zanskar promised to tackle all the issues raised by the LBA, Youth Wing, Zanskar and Lambardar Association Zanskar. He also assured to communicate all the demands of the people before the higher authorities.