Srinagar, Feb 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the enduring historical ties between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, asserting that administrative restructuring would not weaken their connection. He also called on Ladakh’s leadership to raise awareness about student quotas in J&K, highlighting that many reserved seats remain unfilled due to lack of information.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Abdullah addressed key concerns affecting Ladakhi students, patients, and residents in Jammu & Kashmir. To enhance healthcare accessibility, he assured the delegation that a help desk managed by Ladakh administration staff would be established at SKIMS and other super-speciality hospitals in Kashmir to assist patients from Kargil and Leh.
The delegation, led by LAHDC Kargil Chairman Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Ladakh Member of Parliament Haji Mohd Haneefa Jan, discussed crucial issues such as appointing nodal officers for Ladakh patients in J&K hospitals, expanding student hostels in Srinagar and Jammu, and increasing Ladakhi student admissions in J&K colleges. They also proposed tourism promotion initiatives for Kargil through collaborative events in Srinagar.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana assured that infrastructure concerns related to roads, water supply, and essential services would be addressed on priority.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the J&K government’s proactive stance in improving facilities and opportunities for Ladakh residents.
