Jammu, Feb 22: Terming Leh and Kargil as the eyes of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that concerted efforts were being made by the PDP-led coalition government for speedy socio-economic transformation of the population of this backward region. "We have made complete devolution of powers to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council under the act and that by June a similar dispensation would be in place in Kargil opening new vistas of development for the district", Sayeed told at Eid-cum-annual day function organised by Kargil students here last night. The Chief Minister expressed happiness that the district, which has remained cut off for about six months, has been linked by the Air Force flights. There is need to increase the frequency of flights to Leh and Kargil, he said, adding he would take up the matter with the authorities concerned for the purpose.

He said he has also taken up the matter with the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for exploring possibilities for a tunnel at Zojila to keep the region open round the year. Given the latest technology it should be possible to connect Kashmir Valley by rail by 2007 and there is no reason why a tunnel cannot be constructed at Zojila, he added.

Bureau Report