Jammu: A delegation of National Conference (NC) MPs and MLAs on Friday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Parliament House and raised several key developmental and public issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation, comprising MPs Chowdry Mohd Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and Shammi Oberoi, along with MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for approving the Machil–Keran and Gurez tunnel projects.
They urged the Centre to expedite work on these tunnels, highlighting their strategic importance as well as their role in improving connectivity for residents in border areas.
The delegation also emphasised the need to upgrade the Handwara–Wadderbala–Bangus road, a crucial route for local connectivity and tourism, particularly for visitors to Bangus Valley. They demanded that the road be brought under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for better maintenance and development.
Among other demands, the leaders sought declaration of the Sumbal–Gurez road as a Strategic National Highway and called for opening of the Dras–Gurez road to ease hardships faced by people in the region.
The delegation further pressed for early execution of key infrastructure projects, including the Lolab–Bandipora tunnel, Kishtwar–Padder–Zanskar road and Badoab–Sonamarg road, stating that these projects are vital for enhancing connectivity, boosting tourism and accelerating regional development.
They also raised concerns regarding the location of the military camp at Zachaldara in Handwara. The leaders noted that while the camp played an important role during the militancy period in the 1990s, it is now situated in a densely populated area with schools, mosques and health centres nearby.
The delegation said the camp’s presence in the market area causes inconvenience to residents, restricts movement and creates difficulties during emergencies. They urged the Defence Minister to consider relocating the camp to a more suitable site that ensures both security and public convenience.
The Defence Minister assured the delegation that their demands would be examined and necessary action taken.
