JOIN USConcluding his two-day visit of the state amid separatist-sponsored strike, Chidambaram also expressed satisfaction over the state government’s handling of the security situation in the Valley.
During his stay, he reviewed the security situation, met representatives of the people from different walks of life, and visited some sensitive areas in Baramulla, north Kashmir.
Contrary to expectations, Chidambaram did not make any announcements regarding the release of youth arrested in the Valley for stone-pelting during the last four months of unrest. It is learnt he has left it to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take a call on the release of the youth.
Chidambaram arrived in Leh-Ladakh on Saturday and flew to Kargil and Kashmir. Soon after landing at Baramulla, he visited some sensitive areas in his car with lesser security cover, taking the security apparatus by surprise.
High-level meeting
The home minister chaired a high-level meeting of senior officers of police, security forces and civil administration and reviewed the latest situation. Several delegations called on the minister.
Chief executive councillor of Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council Kachoo Ahmad Ali Khan demanded construction of a tunnel on Zojila Pass along the 434-km Srinagar-Leh national highway to keep Ladakh region connected with the rest of the state throughout the year.
The minister also demanded expansion of Kargil Airport, renovation of Kargil-Zanskar National Highway, joining the Drass river with the Suru river and several other facilities for the betterment of the district, it said.Later Chidambaram held a meeting with Omar Abdullah in Srinagar.
Official sources said the progress of relief and rehabilitation work in the cloud-burst-affected areas of Leh and Kargil was discussed in detail during the meeting.
Additional funds
Chidambaram also assured the chief minister that the Centre would provide more funds for the permanent rehabilitation of the people. The government would also provide necessary funds for the reconstruction of public utility facilities, he added. Chidambaram said a task force, constituted to take stock of the construction of basic infrastructure in Ladakh, is scheduled to visit the region shortly.