JK News Today
New Delhi: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and raised a number of important issues concerning the restoration of Statehood and constitutional rights to Jammu and Kashmir, strategic connectivity, border-area development, employment and tourism.
During the meeting, the MP urged the Hon’ble Defence Minister, as a senior and key Minister in the Union Government, to use his good offices for the restoration of Statehood and Constitutional rights to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that the people of Jammu and Kashmir 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 and constitutional rights. Referring to the assurances given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, he said that 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 to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and that its timely fulfilment would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce their faith in the democratic process.
The MP emphasised the need 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 both national security and the socio-economic development of the strategically located Gurez sector. The proposed corridor includes the Razdan Pass Tunnel, which is intended to provide all-weather connectivity to Gurez, a strategically important border constituency.
He urged the Defence Minister to ensure early progress on the Razdan Pass Tunnel, noting that the Gurez route remains severely affected by snowfall and prolonged winter closures. An all-weather tunnel would substantially improve the movement of security forces, essential supplies and civilians while strengthening connectivity with the border areas.
The MP also raised the issue of employment opportunities for residents of the Tangdhar border area, particularly through the Army and other security establishments. He requested that the number of local porters in the Tangdhar area be increased from the existing 400 to 1,000, thereby providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to local residents living in this strategically sensitive border region.
He further requested 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.
Another important issue raised was the Defence Labour Procurement system. He sought continuation and strengthening of defence-related labour procurement so that local workers and suppliers do not lose an important source of livelihood. The issue of continuation of Defence Labour Procurement arrangements has also been raised in the context of border regions, reflecting its importance to local economies.
The MP also 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 emphasised that such infrastructure could simultaneously promote border tourism, local employment and year-round connectivity.
Further highlighted the need for focused attention to the Machil–Keran–Tangdhar road network, particularly strengthening and improving 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 not only strengthen border connectivity and strategic movement but also cater to the Vibrant Villages located in Poonch district, thereby supporting local development and economic activity in the border areas.
Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh Ji assured MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan 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.
