I have seen first-hand the tremendous work being done by BRO. And I got a sobering reminder when I crested Khardungla at 17,982 feet on the way to Nubra Valley.
For past few months, Leh & Kargil are united over four demands including statehood. In 2014 & 2019, split in Kargil votes gave Buddhists an edge when it came to electing their MP.
The existing Autonomous Hill Council did not have legislative powers,
hence reducing the people of Ladakh to powerless subjects with just 1
Member of parliament.
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil have put aside differences to protest, but officials claim UT has 'highest per capita elected representatives' and further ‘autonomy’ could trigger more fights.
While protesters in Ladakh are demanding protection under Sixth Schedule, govt officials say the schedule may give greater autonomy in principle but comes with its own challenges.
Brig. B. D. Mishra (retd.), who took over from L-G R. K. Mathur, has a tough task in hand. Agitators are up against bureaucracy rule & bent on four core demands including statehood.
The meetings, to be held in the North Block office of the Ministry of Home Affairs, will be attended by the lieutenant governors of both union territories of Ladakh, J&K.
According to a statement by the airport, commercial operations likely to begin next year 'in view of the current construction status'. It was supposed to commence operations by 2024 end.
At interaction in Delhi Monday, Ambassador of Philippines also highlighted talks over possibility of high-level delegation visit later this year to mark 75 yrs of diplomatic ties.
Changed reality for Modi govt in its 3rd innings is by no means rise of a new phenomenon. It's a return to old normal where even majorities had to routinely wrestle with storied million mutinies.
I will give zero cheers to BRO. Their roads are fourth rate.