New Delhi, Apr 17: MPs Chowdry Mohd Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, and Shammi Oberoi, along with MLAs Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, met today with the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, at Parliament House, New Delhi, and took up various public concerns and developmental demands pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegation expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for the approval of Machil–Keran & Gurez Tunnel, while urging that the work on the project be expedited in view of its immense strategic and public importance.

The delegation also emphasized the importance of the Handwara–Wadderbala–Bangus road, a vital route for local connectivity and tourism, particularly for visitors to Bangus Valley. They demanded that the road be brought under the supervision of the Border Roads Organisation (Beacon) for better maintenance and development.

Other key demands, they urged that the Sumbal–Gurez road be declared and accorded the status of a Strategic National Highway. They also demanded the opening of the Dras–Gurez road for traffic to ease the hardships faced by local residents.

The delegation pressed for early execution of critical infrastructure projects including the construction of the Lolab–Bandipora Tunnel, Kishtwar–Padder–Zanskar road, and Badoab–Sonamarg road, all of which are essential for improving connectivity, boosting tourism and strengthening regional development.

They apprised the Hon’ble Minister that the military camp at Zachaldara, Handwara, was established during the early 1990s when the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was extremely challenging. The camp undoubtedly played a significant and commendable role during the turbulent period of militancy, particularly in maintaining law and order. However, with the passage of time and expansion of civilian habitation, the camp is now situated in the middle of a densely populated market area, surrounded by Schools, Mosques, health centres and other essential public institutions, causing inconvenience to residents, restricts movement especially during evening hours and creates difficulties during medical emergencies. They demanded the relocation of the camp to a more suitable alternate site in the area where both security and civilian convenience can be ensured.