Diplomat Digital
Leh, April 26, 2025:In a significant development for Ladakh, a delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from the region, led by the Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson along with Dy. Chairmen Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors, BJP Ladakh President Phunchok Stanzin, former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and BJP Elected Councillors from both LAHDC Leh and Kargil, General Secretary P.T Kunzang and Former CEC Gyal P Wangyal met with the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi today in presence of BJP National General Secretary/Ladakh Prabhari Sh. Tarun Chugh.The delegation began by expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the Home Minister for his continued support to the Union Territory of Ladakh. They acknowledged the formation of new districts—Zanskar, Drass, Kargil, Nubra, and Sham as a crucial step towards inclusive development. They also appreciated the Centre’s consistent financial support, particularly through the Vibrant Village Programme and the recent approval of its second phase. An invitation was extended to Shri Amit Shah to visit Ladakh and witness the progress firsthand.During the discussion, the delegation raised several pressing issues. They stressed the urgent need to strengthen the gazetted recruitment process in Ladakh, seeking the Home Minister’s direct intervention to ensure that the rights and interests of local youth are protected and safeguard issue. They also highlighted the importance of restoring the budget allocations for LAHDC and the UT Administration, which are essential for ensuring the smooth functioning of governance and uninterrupted development across the region.Tourism, a key economic driver in Ladakh, was another major point of concern. The leaders pointed out the difficulties faced by foreign tourists due to the current registration process and appealed for a simplified procedure to make Ladakh more accessible to international travellers. They also proposed the formation of a dedicated Ladakh Development Corporation to manage regional development more efficiently and address financial irregularities, especially in light of the ongoing challenges with the J&K Development Finance Corporation.Recognising the importance of Ladakh’s global identity, the delegation requested that all Indian embassies—especially those in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada update their web information to reflect Ladakh’s status as a separate Union Territory. This is essential to ensure accurate international representation and avoid confusion abroad.Concerns were also shared regarding the early opening of the Leh-Manali road, which remains vital for the movement of goods and people. The delegation urged the Centre to expedite the clearance of Baralacha and Shingkula Passes to maintain connectivity. Additionally, the delegation called for more streamlined and locally managed procedures for issuing Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP), suggesting that verification powers be delegated to the District Magistrate of Leh for quicker processing and to increase VPN.Special attention was also drawn to issues concerning the newly formed Zanskar district and Kargil and adjoining areas which Councillor Stanzin Lakpa, Padma Dorjey and others described as requiring immediate administrative focus. Finally, in light of recent heavy thunderstorms and snowfall that caused significant disruption across Ladakh, the leaders requested the Home Minister’s support in addressing the resulting challenges.The Changthang and Nubra Councillors extended special gratitude to Hon’ble Home Minister for Vibrant Village Program and Highlighted the Wildlife rationalization issue. The Councillor from Markha Constituency also highlighted Hemis National Park rationalization issue.In response, the Hon’ble Union Home Minister assured the delegation that the Central Government remains fully committed to the development and welfare of Ladakh and that all necessary steps would be taken to address the concerns raised. DD
