Entire Leh went on a day of total strike, and not a shop opened till the nightfall. The call for strike given by Traders Association, Travel Trade Organization and District Congress Committee under the banner of LAHDC was against criminal negligence of BSNL and indifference of the Union Ministry of Telecommunication towards flawed and faulty landline as well as cellular services in the entire region. Two years ago flash floods devastated much of infrastructure in Leh including telephone services. It has not been repaired fully so as to make connectivity dependable. Lack of connectivity has adversely affected the economy of the region which is already reeling under backwardness. It is amazing that the Union Telecom Ministry fails to understand the strategic position of Leh. It is a snow-bound area and people are unable to move freely during long and harsh winter months. Cell phone is the only link that keeps them in touch and if that too is denied one can understand the suffering it brings to people. Just try to understand what the top functionary at the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council has to say, “The BSNL authorities have been handling communication system in Ladakh as if the land belongs to the aliens. They are ignorant of the strategic importance of the region, which is an anti-national outlook. Ladakh remains cut off for 6-7 months a year during winter season with the rest of the country due to snowfall and subsequent blockages of passes. Therefore the region requires an independent and efficient communication system.” It is time for the BSNL to wake up.
Follow our WhatsApp channel