Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Aug 16: Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju has assured the people of Ladakh that there will be no discrimination with the mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir and that their all regional aspirations will be addressed.
In a brief chat with media at Khardung-La Pass yesterday, when he was here in connection with ‘Tiranga Rally’ and para-cycling expedition, Rijiju said Ladakh is crown of India and all regional aspirations of this region of Jammu and Kashmir will be addressed.
“The interests of Ladakh will be watched whenever dialogue takes place on Jammu and Kashmir,” Rijiju said.
Replying to a question, the Minister of State for Home said the Centre will consider opening of some tourist points at Demchok on the pattern of Nubra.
“We will take a decision on Demchok soon. The demands of local people will be considered,” he said.
On worst condition of road leading to Khardung-La Pass, he said the problem is that this area mostly remained snow bound and no road is going to survive there for long. However, he said, the Government will look for technology linked solution to take road to Khardung-La to attract the tourists.
Earlier, Rijiju hoisted national flag at ITBP, Choglamsar, Leh to flag-off ‘Tiranga Mission’, a motorcycle expedition held on the directive of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to MPs to cover border areas during Independence Day.
Rijiju also flagged-in the para cycling expedition at Khardung-La launched by the Prime Minister under Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) with an aim to make it a mass movement by involving citizens in various States and sensitizing the society towards disability and the need for accessibility.
The flag-in ceremony of Infinity Ride 2016 dedicated as Divyaang Yodha Varsh was organized by BSF and Aditya Mehta Foundation. BJP MP from Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang, CEC LAHDC Dr. Sonam Dawa, four Executive Councilors, Councilors, SSP, Leh Tsering Gyalpo, top ranking officers of various paramilitary forces and BJP workers were all present during the event at Leh Gate and flag in ceremony at Khardung-La.
Addressing the para-military forces, Rijiju laid emphasis that “it is our prime responsibility to secure the freedom we are destined with from various challenges like terrorism and threats from our neighbouring nations”.
He appealed to the security forces not to take Ladakh out of danger of terrorism and urged them to exercise strict security and vigilance in border areas and Army camps. He appreciated the conscientiousness and dedication exhibited by armed forces in Ladakh region and said that their responsive and supportive behaviour has developed a sense of trust and security among the local people and hoped for its continuation in future.
Rijiju was appreciative of the efforts of BSF for taking initiative in the field of empowerment of ‘Divyangjan’ and applauded the Infinity Ride Team-2016 for their resolute commitment to the cause.
“Nation owes its responsibility towards the security forces, who sacrifice their lives during the course of duty in protecting nation. Divyangjan are the people with extra ordinary capabilities, I am proud of all the CAPF divyang soldiers and officers who participated in the expedition, added MoS for Home.
He said that today’s achievement of conquering Himalayan heights by para athletes in the Infinity Ride-2016 will set example to whole nation.
Rijiju called the Ladakhis true nationalists who walk shoulder to shoulder with Army to serve their nation since time immemorial. He said that Modi Government is committed to fulfill every demand and aspirations of the people of Ladakh and ensured development in the region on priority.
He added that their Government is taking measures to further upgrade the tourism potential in Ladakh and about their efforts to improve Khardung-La road with use of some advance technology.
BJP MP from Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang said that events like Tiranga Mission and Para-Cycling Expedition will send a message of national integrity and unity across the nation.
Speaking separately to the media persons at Khardung-La Top, Chhewang spoke loud of UT demand for Ladakh and said it was high time that the Centre consider this demand. He paid rich tribute to the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and soldiers.
Dr A P Maheshwari, ADG, BSF said: “we as a Force are committed to the cause of Divyang and this would definitely send the message across the nation that Divyang have the divine potentials to cross all the hurdles and perform much more than the ordinary.
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