Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 4: Union Home Secretary, R K Singh today completed his two-day visit to the Leh district of Ladakh region this afternoon after visiting the forward posts of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and taking stock of the force’s preparedness to maintain sanctity of the unmarked territories between both the countries.
Earlier, Mr Singh held detailed meetings with the Rigjin Spalbar, Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) on rebuilding of infrastructure damaged in flash floods of August 2010 and further development needs of the district.
Accompanied by Additional Director General of ITBP, the Union Home Secretary flew to Daulatbeg and Morgo forward locations situated along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China this morning and inspected the preparedness of the ITBP personnel to maintain sanctity of the unmarked territory with the neighbouring country.
Mr Singh also interacted with ITBP personnel at both the forward posts to ascertain the difficulties, if any, they were faced with in discharging their duties especially during winter months. Lauding the high morale of the force, the Union Home Secretary asked the ITBP personnel to maintain vigil all along the LAC and ensure sense of security among the people living in the villages situated along the Line of Actual Control.
Earlier, the Union Home Secretary held detailed interaction with the Chief Executive Councilor of Hill Council, Rigjin Spalbar to ascertain the status of developmental activities going on in the district especially in the aftermath of August 2010 flash-floods.
Mr Spalbar urged the Union Home Secretary for immediate release of Rs 82 crore financial assistance for permanent restoration of the damages caused by the flash floods of August 2010. “Such assistance is imperative to ensure proper restoration of damaged bridges and roads”, he added.
He also sought special assistance or accommodation in the Task Force assistance the project to train nullahs of Leh on the ground that Union Ministry of Urban Development has ruled out any assistance for this vital project because of State’s dismal performance in ensuring urban reforms as required under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of JNNURM.
Demanding opening of Demchok trade route between Leh and China on the pattern of Nathu La, the Chief Executive Councilor told the Union Home Secretary that this would not only help in improving economic condition of the people of the district but also foster Sino-Indian relations.
Mr Spalbar also made a strong plea for opening up of more areas of Nubra and Changthang for the tourists. “There is an urgent need to lift the restrictions so that people of such areas could also avail the benefit of booming tourism in the district”, he added.
The Chief Executive Councilor further urged the Home Secretary to ensure that paramilitary forces help in creating required public infrastructure in the villages situated along the LAC as because of restrictions the inhabitants of such areas were lacking even basic amenities. “Developmental activities are imperative to ensure sense of security among the people”, he added.
Union Home Secretary assured the Chief Executive Councilor that all out efforts would be made to meet the developmental and other needs of the Leh district.
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