In a statement, the office of MP said during the meeting, the MP urged the Defence Minister, being a senior and key member of the Union Cabinet, to use his good offices for the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that the people of the Union Territory had participated in the 2024 Assembly elections with overwhelming enthusiasm and a clear expectation that the democratic process would lead to the restoration of their statehood. Referring to the assurances given by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, he said the commitment made to the people must be fulfilled in letter and spirit. He stressed that restoration of statehood is not merely an administrative matter but an important commitment, and its timely fulfilment would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.

 

On strategic connectivity, the MP pressed for expediting the 120-km Sumbal–Bandipora–Gurez road and sought its recognition and development as a Strategic National Highway, given its critical importance for national security and the socio-economic development of the Gurez sector. He urged the Defence Minister to ensure early progress on the Razdan Pass Tunnel, which is intended to provide all-weather connectivity to Gurez, a strategically important border constituency. He noted that the Gurez route remains severely affected by snowfall and prolonged winter closures, and an all-weather tunnel would substantially improve the movement of security forces, essential supplies, and civilians.

 

Raising the issue of employment, the MP requested that the number of local porters in the Tangdhar border area be increased from the existing 400 to 1,000, thereby providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to residents of this strategically sensitive region.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe also sought a special recruitment drive for local youth in the Indian Army and BSF, with appropriate opportunities for eligible candidates from border and remote areas of Kupwara and adjoining regions.

 

The MP also raised the Defence Labour Procurement system and sought its continuation and strengthening so that local workers and suppliers do not lose an important source of livelihood. He further proposed a cable-car service from Drangyari to Nichaan via Sadhna Top, aimed at opening up the area for tourism and providing an alternative mode of connectivity during harsh winter months when road movement becomes extremely difficult. He highlighted the need for focused attention to the Machil–Keran–Tangdhar road network, particularly strengthening road connectivity to these strategically important border areas. The BRO's 109 RCC is already engaged in maintaining key routes including the Chowkibal–Tangdhar, Meelyal–P-Gali–Keran, and Z-Gali–Machil roads, underlining their strategic and logistical significance.

 

The MP also raised the importance of the Gali Maidan–Gagrian–Sawijan to Batalkot–Loran road in Poonch district, approximately 39 km, and sought its development as a Border Zero Line Road. He emphasised that the proposed road would strengthen border connectivity and strategic movement while catering to the Vibrant Villages located in Poonch district, thereby supporting local development and economic activity in the border areas.

 

The Defence Minister assured the MP that the issues raised by him would receive due consideration and that the ministry would take appropriate steps on the matters concerning strategic connectivity, border-area employment, and infrastructure. (KNS)