Fayaz Hussain
Ladakh (Leh and Kargil), became part of the Republic of India, after Independence in 1947. The Zojila pass situated at the height of 3567 meters above the sea level is called the Gateway of Ladakh. The only road connectivity to Kargil is the Zojila Pass on National Highway (NH1) that itself remains cut off for more than six months in winter as it is during these days due to heavy snowfall. In 1948, the people of Kargil like other parts of the country too had suffered, separated and lost their relatives and villagers due to partition. Some elders have revealed their tales about the war and proudly express their contribution to save Kargil from Pakistani raiders. Apo Ahmad, seventy eight year old native of Kargil says “the people of Kargil have worked hard in 1948 to pave the way for Indian army in Gumri, Matayin, and Drass; further adds due to civilian efforts army was able to pullout raiders from Ladakh, otherwise, it would have been very difficult to control”. In India-Pakistan wars, in 1965, 1971 and 1999, the local people of Kargil contributed and supported enormously Indian army as a war porter, as an informer, as a coolie, as a mule owners, and as an army coolie, without any fuss and appreciation. In 1999 Kargil War, Indian army too confessed and appreciated the role and support of local people. Without rigorous involment of locals the victory would not have been easier as the people of India presumed.
Despite huge role played by common people of Kargil the discrimination, prejudice and biased attitude of the successive central and state governments toward strategically important Kargil has been huge.
Unfulfilled demands since, 1947
The people feel that successive Government have been treating them a second class citizen. Since, independence popular demands of the people of Kargil are construction of Zojila tunnel, civil air service from Kargil to other destinations, opening of Kargil-Skardu road, proper share in Ladakh Scouts an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, establishment of full-fledged University, construction of Suru valley Hydro power project, widening and macadamization of Kargil-Zanskar road, opening of Panikhar- Pahlagam road, extension of Kargil airport, vacation of Kurbathang plateau from army’s control, establishment of college in Suru valley, provision of funds for the tourist infrastructure and lifting of ban imposed on the selling of fresh apricot and apple outside district. However, all these demands have never been fulfilled till now. All political parties and their politicians have been paying lip service and unable to put these demands into practicality till now. Many local leaders too enjoyed as cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly and Member of Legislative Council etc, but have failed to put the core demands into reality.
Government’s lack of concern
Ministry of Road Transport and highways (MORTH), awarded Zojila tunnel to a private company in 2015. However, within one month of the award the contract was cancelled without any clarification from Ministry which is a set-back for the people of Ladakh. In October 2015, youths of Kargil were disappointed due to extremely disproportionate recruitment in Ladakh Scouts. The recruitment rally of Ladakh Scouts was held in Batalik village of Kargil in which around 370 aspirants for 53 vacancies. Nearly 120 aspirants applied from Kargil district were selected for final written test in which only one was selected from Kargil while 52 were selected from the neighbour district Leh. This recruitment drama was big jolt and shocking for educated youths of Kargil.
Problem of Transportation and Communication
In winter, thousands of Kagilis migrate to Jammu, Srinagar and other cities to avail the better medical treatment, education for their children, and to get relief from the harsh winter. The only source of transportation in winter is IAF AN-32 Courier service from Kargil to Srinagar and Jammu. However, the irony is that the courier service depends on the mood of the IAF pilot and clear weather conditions. Without prior notice or information, Flight is Cancelled without giving any rhyme or reason. Many times passengers do not know the reason of the cancellation.
Every year in the month of March, when it is time to go back Kargil, thousands of Kargilis languish in Kargil House Jammu and Kargil House Srinagar or stay with their relative students who pursue their education in Jammu or Kashmir. Their fellow Kargilis even have to donate some financial assistance to poor who face financial problem in Jammu due to repeated cancellation of AN-32 Courier services. The passengers are usually female patients, students, laborers, employees; common people, Hajj pilgrims and elderly people who come to Jammu to get some relief from the harsh winter. If the authorities arrange additional flights such as IAF IL-76 from Udhampur to Leh, then all Jammu bound passengers will have to go from Jammu to Udhampur with carrying heavy logistics which include, beddings, kitchen accessories, carpets, vegetables, fruits, trunks, children’s school bags, presents for their families in Kargil etc. In emergency situation, passengers have to pay ten or fifteen thousand to embark his journey from Jammu or Delhi to Leh.
This is the time India Government understands the extreme grievances of people of Kargil. Central and State Government should need to redress the tremendous hardship of the people. They have been protecting country’s border with Indian Army from last sixty years, despite facing favoritism, prejudice and biased attitude of successive governments from last sixty years. They deserve to be applauded for their sincerity towards their country. They are being treated as the second class citizen till date.
(The author is a native of Kargil)
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