Kargil, February 23, 2026: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, undertook a comprehensive visit to Kargil district, engaging with various delegations and addressing key developmental concerns across the region.
During his visit to Rangdum, members of the Rangdum Gonpa Cultural and Welfare Society submitted a memorandum highlighting several pressing demands. These included the construction of essential link roads, development of an ice-skating ground, and construction of a compound wall for the local school. The delegation also sought the upgradation of the Rangdum Medical Sub-Centre, provision of a 108 ambulance service, increase teaching staff, and establishment of a power transmission line to address electricity shortages.
Subsequently, the Chief Secretary held a Public Darbar at the Conference Hall of Sankoo Sub-Division. Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Syed Aga Mujtaba, welcomed the Chief Secretary and presented key demands, including granting district status to Sankoo, establishment of a full-fledged Degree College, setting up of a Fire Service Station, and relocation of the Police Station to the Sub-Division headquarter. These demands received unanimous support from councillors of the Suru Valley Division.
Councillor Syed Ainal Huda stressed the need to expedite the remaining works on National Highway 301 and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the district administration and officers of Sankoo Sub-Division. He highlighted Sankoo’s growing potential as a hub for adventure and winter tourism and urged the Administration to initiate mega tourism projects to boost the local economy.
Councillor Ghulam Haider raised issues related to education, healthcare, road connectivity, and developmental concerns in his constituency. Councillor Abdul Hadi expressed concerns over medical staff shortages, the need for a school bus, and pending land compensation cases. Councillor Barsoo Sheikh Mohd Ansari highlighted the lack of communication networks and internet connectivity, and emphasized the need for improved road connectivity, residential hostels, and irrigation canals.
Representatives of social and religious organizations, including Anjuman-e-Sahib Zaman, urged that Sankoo be declared a tourist destination. They also sought equipment support for their disaster relief wing, the Bakaitullah Wing, which actively assists during emergencies.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and assured the public that all grievances and issues raised would be carefully examined. He emphasized the importance of collective cooperation in achieving sustainable development.
Highlighting education as the foundation of societal progress, he urged parents to prioritize their children’s academic growth. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to conduct a comprehensive survey and establish a schedule for regular field visits by officers of all departments to ensure granular data collection for evidence-based and planned development.
Describing tourism as a key pillar of economic growth, he encouraged collaborative efforts to unlock the region’s vast potential. He assured that all genuine demands would be taken up with the Central Government and that the Administration would extend all possible support.
Following the Public Darbar, the Chief Secretary visited the Buddha Statue and Museum at Karchekhar village, appreciating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
He later visited the University of Ladakh at Khumbuthang, where he met Vice Chancellor Professor Saket Kushwaha, faculty members, and students. The Registrar presented a detailed overview of the University’s campuses at Leh and Kargil, including academic infrastructure, courses, and programs, while also highlighting key challenges faced by the institution. The Chief Secretary assured that the issues would be examined for appropriate resolution.
On his way to Kargil, the Chief Secretary also held a Public Darbar at Trespone PHC Block. Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Aga Mujtaba Musawi, welcomed him and raised demands including upgradation of the PHC to a Community Health Centre (CHC), declaration of Niabat status for Trespone, provision of an ambulance, and establishment of a trauma centre.
At Hotel The Kargil, the Chief Secretary met with Nominated Councillor Adv. Riyaz Ahmad, who requested the inclusion of Chanigund village under the Vibrant Village Programme.
The Chief Secretary convened a detailed review meeting with the officials of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to assess the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects in the region. He sought comprehensive updates on various project packages and specifically directed officials to expedite work on the 06–30 km stretch to ensure timely completion.
Matters related to arbitration cases, land acquisition, land compensation, and other associated issues were discussed in detail. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for early resolution of pending matters to prevent delays in project execution.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; Additional Superintendent of Police Kargil, Kacho Ishtiyaq; Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sankoo, Waseem Ramzan Dar; Under Secretary, Education Department; Chief Engineer, R&B; Chief Engineer, Power Development Department; Chief Engineer, Irrigation & PHE; Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE, and PDD; Tehsildars Block Development Officers (BDOs) of suru division along with other senior officials of other departments.
