𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐤𝐡 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬

Leh, May 18: Haji Mohd Ali Majaz, Chairman of the Haj Committee Ladakh, met Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju during his visit to Leh, urging prompt action on several urgent issues affecting the people of Ladakh, particularly from Kargil district.

Majaz emphasized the long-standing demand for the quick operationalisation of the approved Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Kargil, pointing out the difficulties faced by locals who currently have to travel long distances to Srinagar or Leh for passport services. “The people of Kargil have waited long enough. The PSK must be activated without further delay,” he said.

Accompanying Majaz were Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh, and Mohd Ali Chandan, Member of the Haj Committee Ladakh and BJP Kargil President. The group submitted a formal memorandum representing the people of Kargil, pressing for urgent solutions to passport-related and minority welfare issues.

They also discussed wider concerns regarding minority welfare and infrastructure development, especially in remote and underserved areas of the Union Territory.

Majaz expressed gratitude to Minister Rijiju for the recent arrangement of a special flight that successfully transported stranded Haj pilgrims from Srinagar to Jeddah earlier this month, providing significant relief to families across Ladakh.

During the meeting, Majaz also raised concern over six pending Haj charter flights from Srinagar, which have left 1,926 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir UT stranded. He appealed for immediate intervention to arrange a dedicated flight to complete pilgrim transfers by May 20, 2025.

“These pilgrims, mostly elderly and financially challenged, have endured great emotional and physical stress, with many waiting years for this sacred journey,” Majaz stated while handing over the detailed memorandum.

In response, Kiren Rijiju assured full support, stressing that the welfare of Haj pilgrims and equitable access to services in border areas remain top priorities for the government. He promised to coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Haj Committee of India, and airlines to ensure a timely resolution.

The delegation expressed confidence in the Minister’s commitment, hopeful that his intervention will bring real relief to thousands in Ladakh and reinforce the government’s dedication to inclusive development throughout the Union Territory.