Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil, DD, On the fifth day of his public outreach programme, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Ladakh undertook a comprehensive developmental tour of several villages in the Taisuru region and the adjoining second constituency of Suru Valley.
The MP was accompanied by Taisuru Area Councillor Mr. Abdul Hadi and former Councillor Mr. Syed Abass. The tour of the second constituency was conducted in coordination with Area Councillor Aga Ainul Huda.
During the visit, the MP covered a wide range of villages and institutions, including Karpokhar, Rgyaling, Purtikchay, Biama, Damsna, Youljuk, Maita, Kargee, Prantee, Pioneer Public School, Choskore, and Panikhar. The second leg of the tour included Khause, Namsuru, Thulus, Pursa, Achambur, and Tangole.
The main objective of the visit was to assess developmental challenges and prioritize them for timely resolution. Interacting with the locals, the MP acknowledged the complex nature of the region’s needs and assured that while all issues cannot be resolved overnight, sincere efforts will be made to address them in phases. “Development is an ongoing process,” he remarked, “but I will do my best to meet your expectations with honesty and commitment.”
A major focus of the visit was on promoting tourism as a pillar of economic development. The MP emphasized that Suru Valley holds immense potential for tourism, citing opportunities for trekking, paragliding, film shooting, and high-altitude adventure in areas surrounding the Nun Kun peaks. He announced that a tourism festival is being planned to highlight the valley’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The MP also proposed the development of the Maita waterfall as a tourist attraction and suggested that talks be initiated to open the Panikhar–Pahalgam route to improve regional connectivity.
During the visit, local residents and public representatives highlighted several key issues. They stressed the need for improved road connectivity and blacktopping of internal roads across multiple villages. Educational concerns included the urgent renovation of the Higher Secondary School in Biama and upgrading of the Middle School at Damsna, along with resolving staff shortages.
Communication and infrastructure demands included installation of a grid tower at Purtikchay, proper pipeline connectivity under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Youljuk, and the establishment of a Medical Aid Centre (MAC) in Maita.
People also requested fencing and lift irrigation support in Damsna, a public library in Panikhar, and construction of protection bund and footbridges in flood-prone areas like Thulus, Pursa, and Youljuk. Concerns were raised about the dismantled tourist centre at Panikhar and the poor state of the local disposal shed. The public demanded banking facilities such as ATMs or bank branches, riverbank protection, and proper maintenance of bridges, especially in Panikhar. Additional concerns included lift irrigation in Choskore, national highway-related grievances including land compensation, and assessment of second-phase funding for infrastructure and displaced households.
In the second constituency, Councillor Aga Ayanul Huda highlighted several important issues. Residents of Khause demanded canal construction and protection walls. In Namsuru, one of the most populated areas, people called for upgradation of hospitals and subcentres, installation of solar pumps, an animal centre, and a marriage hall. There were also requests to complete the Parkachik canal and provide lift irrigation. Other demands included a community library and a mobile tower in Achambur, an irrigation pool and upgraded middle schools, as well as rescue equipment and a footbridge in Tangol to support safety during avalanches and Nun Kun expeditions.
The MP concluded the visit by assuring the people of both constituencies that their genuine concerns would be taken up with the appropriate authorities and followed through.DD
