Leh: Political activist Sajjad Hussain Kargili met the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh today, raising several pressing public issues related to regional connectivity, education, employment, and local governance.
The meeting highlighted long-pending demands that activists and residents say are crucial for the socio-economic development of the Union Territory.
During the meeting, Kargili reiterated the urgent demand for the opening of the Drass–Gurez and Panikhar–Pahalgam roads.
He termed these routes vital for regional connectivity, historical trade, tourism potential, and socio-economic development.
“Drass-Gurez and Panikhar-Pahalgam roads are not just transport routes; they are age-old corridors that connect communities, culture, and commerce. Their reopening will create seamless tourism circuits, boost trade, and provide employment opportunities for local youth,” Kargili said.
He also highlighted that reopening Panikhar-Pahalgam Road could enhance eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and pilgrimage circuits for Amarnath Yatris.
On the education front, Kargili emphasized the need for regular and transparent recruitment of both contractual and permanent faculty members at the University of Ladakh and its constituent colleges.
He expressed concern over six years of inaction since the formation of the Union Territory in 2019, which he said has left many qualified local scholars, including Ph.D., MPhil, NET-JRF, and postdoctoral candidates, without meaningful opportunities.
He further demanded strict implementation of the state reservation policy, under the new Recruitment Rule 2025, ensuring up to 95% of appointments are reserved for Ladakh domicile candidates. Kargili highlighted discrepancies in recent contractual appointments, which he said disproportionately favored non-local candidates despite the availability of highly qualified Ladakhi scholars.
He also urged inclusion of local governance bodies, such as the Chief Executive Councilors of Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Councils, in policymaking processes of the University.
Addressing administrative matters, Kargili requested promotion of eligible police personnel to tackle manpower shortages and improve law enforcement efficiency in the Union Territory.
The Lt Governor listened attentively to the concerns raised by Kargili and assured that the issues would be considered in the broader development framework of Ladakh.
While acknowledging the strategic and socio-economic importance of the proposed road links and the necessity of enhancing higher education, the Lt Governor assured that the government would review these matters for early action.
