Kargil, July 14; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohd Hanifa Jan began a week-long tour of Kargil district on Sunday, covering the Shakar-Chiktan subdivision during the first two days. He visited several villages and hamlets to review the progress of development activities and held public darbars to address local grievances.
On the first day, the MP was accompanied by ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, SDM Shakar Chiktan, and all concerned heads of departments and sectoral heads of line departments.
During his visit, the MP met various public delegations and held public darbars at Heniskote, Stakchay-Khangral, Mundik, Bodh Kharbu, Guru Padma Sambhava Rinpoche Statue at Bodh Kharbu, Samrah, Pacharik, Kuksho, and Dargo villages.
On the second day of his tour, the Member of Parliament, Haji Hanifa Jan, accompanied by Executive Councillor Zakir Hussain and other government officials, visited various areas of the Shakar Chiktan region, including Sanjak, Chiktan, Hagnis, Shakar Yokma Kharbu, Lamsu, and Sandow.
Addressing the delegations, the MP stated that this was his first visit to the subdivision after assuming office. He said the purpose of the tour was to conduct an on-ground assessment of developmental activities and to address public grievances related to development and centrally or state-sponsored schemes.
During interactions, delegations raised issues concerning the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), road upgradation and blacktopping, banking facilities (especially J&K Bank branches), access roads to grazing lands, nallah bund protection, health centres, ice hockey rink construction, sanctioning of physicians/ gynaecologists for medical centres, mobile connectivity, and other local concerns.
The MP gave a patient hearing to the demands in each village and assured that efforts would be made to redress the issues in a phased and prioritized manner.
Responding to the demand for a guest house at Photang Bodh Kharbu, MP Hanifa Jan said necessary steps would be explored for its construction, especially as His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Bodh Kharbu in 2026. He also assured that infrastructure development near the Guru Rinpoche Statue would be examined.
Urging the people of Shakar Chiktan to prioritize education, he encouraged parents to admit their children in government schools.
The MP also inaugurated a BSNL mobile tower for the villages of Pacharik and Kuksho. The villagers expressed gratitude for his support in facilitating mobile connectivity.
Additionally, he announced that separate camps would be organised in the remote villages of Dargo, Pacharik, and Kuksho for domicile registration and other essential documentation.
The MP also visited and interacted with various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Shakar Chiktan, lauding the efforts of women who are actively supporting their families and communities through skill-based entrepreneurship. He promised full support for capacity building and market linkage, especially highlighting the achievements of Almadar Bakers, a women-led SHG renowned for its unique cakes and local sweets. He emphasized the importance of promoting local and organic products.
Stressing the need to focus on education, Haji Hanifa Jan called for the upgradation and strengthening of government schools to ensure quality education reaches even the most underprivileged children. Speaking at Shakar-Chiktan, MP reaffirmed his commitment to work tirelessly for their welfare. He said, “I am here because of your trust and cooperation, and I will do everything in my capacity to bring development and dignity to your lives.”
Memorandums regarding developmental demands were submitted by the public to the MP. Officials briefed him about ongoing projects, and he reviewed the status of pending works. Directing concerned departments to expedite the process, the MP assured that priority-wise, all major issues will be addressed either through Council intervention or coordination with district authorities.
The visit marked a significant step in bridging governance and grassroots development, reflecting the MP’s proactive approach in listening to the people and working toward inclusive progress.
