Need of Reviving Kargil-Skardu Road in changed geo equations

 Published: 

http://epaper.kashmirtimes.in/archives.aspx?date1=10/13/2021&page=4 

https://countercurrents.org/2021/10/need-of-reviving-kargil-skardu-road-in-changed-geo-equations/ 

By:

Ravi Nitesh ,(Twitter/ravinitesh)

At a time, when Afghanistan is in news everywhere and Taliban’s rule has been interpreted in different ways, the geo equation experiencing a shift from ‘western’ domination, there can be multiple ways of future actions at strategic and diplomatic levels of the region’s power, particularly by China, India, Pakistan, Russia, Iran and others. But irrespective of what is changing or going to be changed, it is people to people relations, their cultural and trade connections that must be a priority for every country. All other equations are temporary, unstable and can face change depending upon various factors, but people who are living in the region are connected with each other for thousands of years and we should believe that their mutual connection will benefit the countries and their governments.

Now particularly in context of Afghanistan and India’s concern on China-Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, India’s investment in Afghanistan, Scope of SAARC and security concern in J&K and Ladakh regions, there are much to think and it brings importance of Ladakh region once again because it is connected with China on one side and remained in dispute for LoAC clashes, Across LoC- Giglit-Baltistan on other side to which Afghanistan touches the border.

In view of this, what is of greater need to India is having trust of the people who are living in and around this region, but this trust cannot be achieved unless there would be a genuine approach to keep the region’s future prosperous, stable, peaceful and far from war and violence.

J&K witnessed change and is now being identified as J&K and Ladakh separately as two UTs of India. Two decades ago, when J&K was facing terrorism and despite the Kargil had happened between Pakistan and India, an act of courage to bring stability and peace in the region was shown by leadership of both sides and cross LoC bus and trade (start of buses across LoC in the year 2005 and later opening of two routes Poonch-Rawalkot and Uri-Muzaffarabad routes across LoC in the year 2008) was started which was supported wholeheartedly by local people and thus brought a trust.

Now, with the changed geo equations, it is once again reminded that we need to work more upon people to people connections and a need for cross LoC route Kargil-Skardu is felt because it can come with a lot of benefits.

The fact that before being a separate UT, Ladakh was part of J&K state and many of its priorities could not be looked into. Speeches and promises regarding Kargil-Skardu road opening were made but there were no official proposals sent by the then J&K governments regarding this. Now, when Ladakh is a separate UT, it seems that such proposals can get space in the government’s priorities.

Kargil-Skardu road has a historic relevance, but not limited to this. Among other possible routes that need to be opened across LoC, such as Jammu-Sialkot, Kargil-Skardu, Nowshera-Jhangar and others, Kargil-Skardu may get prioritised in view available potential and benefits.

In already opened routes of Uri-Muzaffarabad, Uri falls in Kashmir region while in Poonch- Rawalkot route, Poonch falls in Jammu region. Clearly, it is only Ladakh region that lags behind to be connected and Opening Kargil-Skardu route is a popular demand of people in this region.

People living in this region on both sides of LoC (Kargil and Skardu) speaks same language and have cultural and ethnic similarity while their language and culture have no affinity with other regions on both sides of LoC and therefore opening this route may also give a sense of oneness and unification of hearts and emotions. In security terms, this region did not show any pattern of militancy, infiltration or any such activities and is considered comparatively more peaceful than even areas of presently open routes.

Opening of this route can bring huge benefits to nearly 8000 divided families living in this area by reducing the distance between them. Distance between Kargil and Skardu is just around 170 kms and from the adjacent hill of the last village (Indian side) Hundarma, one may see villages across LoC through naked eyes as they are not on much distance. People have their immediate ancestors in each other’s villages. With these divided families of the same ethnicity, re-opening the route would help them a lot. At present people need to travel from Kargil to Skardu via Srinagar, New Delhi, Atari, Lahore and Islamabad that counts for more than 2500 km and 4-5 days, while the same would be done with travel of a few hours condition to opening of the route.

Trade on this route may serve purpose to the future vision of connecting with Central Asia to stronger regional bonds. International Tourists who visit Ladakh region may also get an option to travel via this route and may bring more revenue to the region on both sides of LoC. At present, when China has already constructed all weather road with its CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) Projects under BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), and India could not join CPEC due to policy based issues, opening of Kargil-Skardu road may create a new chapter of regional cooperation and both (CPEC and Kargil-Skardu route) can get benefitted from each other and can bring greater stability in this region.

Opening this all-weather route will be a boost in CBMs (Confidence Building Measures) and may pave the way in resolving conflicts, bringing prosperity in the region. More importantly, the true objective of bringing peace should have a base of strong bond through not only trade and strengthening the local economy but more through emotionally by connecting hearts. Kargil-Skardu route deserves all such virtue to qualify for being opened and it may help the government to get their objectives fulfilled.

The government of India should take steps to announce the desire of opening of this route and should ask the Govt. of Pakistan to come forward to act together.

Ravi Nitesh is a social activist and freelance writer. He can be reached on twitter @ravinitesh

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Zojila Tunnel: Victory of people

Ravi Nitesh

ravinitesh@gmail.com

https://risingkashmir.com/news/zojila-tunnel-victory-of-people-326329.html 

When I had travelled to Kargil about two years ago, people with whom I met extended a warm gesture. I learned a lot about Kargil through my friend and host who was a journalist. He introduced me with common people of Kargil when we roamed around the market.

People with whom I talked were like story tellers as they had many experiences to share. They also talked about the problems they had in Kargil and most important issues among those were their long pending demand of construction of Zojila tunnel and opening of Kargil-Skardu route.

The Zojila issue had been taken up even earlier too with government however due to tender technicalities it got failed to start the work.

Now, the 6800 croreZojila tunnel foundation stone has been laid by Prime Minister of India. This tunnel when be ready, would serve many purpose and hence a multi advantage project.

The tunnel is a long pending demand of people of the region, specially of Kargil who have no option to go anywhere during winters as the Zojila gets closed during winters. 

Announcements of building this tunnel have been promised many times by local leaders, however it remained just an election tool in regional politics till the Zojila tunnel project was approved by union cabinet committee on economic affairs in January 2018.

Now, when Zojila foundation stone would has been laid, there must be stringent monitoring for its completion within the timeline of project. Being far away from eyes of TRP viewers, people living in areas like Leh, Laddakh, Dras, Kargil face many difficulties.

With the Zojila tunnel, it would become an all-weather road that would connect valley to hill, Srinagar to Kargil-Laddakh region and would bring down the crossing time of the Zojila from around 03 hours to just 15 minutes with proposed 14.5 km track of tunnel and will make it Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel.

Nine kilometer long Zojila running on the high altitude of around 11000 feet at present brings a dangerous pass for travelers with its tough and curved terrains, whereas a tunnel with all safety measures and facilities would attract more tourists that will lead to more revenue and economic growth to region, would also enhance cultural exchanges and most importantly, would work as a bane for local population in case their emergency needs of travel.

In addition, strategic requirement of central government through making it easy for movements of armed forces is also an important factor considering the presently available medium that is limited to airlift of soldiers during winters.

This pass was once captured by Pakistani raiders during Indo-Pak war of 1947 but later captured by Indian army again in its operation named Operation Bison named by the then Lt Gen Cariappa.

After this foundation stone of building Zojila tunnel, government should also focus upon opening of talks with Pakistan for opening of Kargil-Skardu road.

Opening of this route would also extend a great help to people in Kargil region as most of the divided families may find some relief to let their travel reduced from four days to just few hours to meet their relatives and loved ones across line of control. The region has a cultural affinity on both sides of LoC and people on both sides want to meet each other.

In addition, opening of this route would also bring an economical boost in the existing cross border trade if trade would be allowed through this route.

At present, though India and Pakistan have no facility of crossing point (immigration center) on this side, but having so may benefit both countries in building stronger people to people relations and trade relations.   

Now, as foundation stone of Zojila tunnel has been laid, we must also be hopeful that the another pending demand of opening up Kargil-Skrdu route would also be on table in coming time.

Also, it is true that the Zojila tunnel foundation stone will also strengthen foundation of trust building of people upon the governance that directly deal with developments and direct benefit projects.

However, the timeline of seven years of its scheduled completion needs a review to bring this in lesser time. Its start is definitely a good sign and victory of people’s mandate towards governance for development. 

-

ravinitesh@gmail.com

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Prioritising Kargil-Skardu route to build Line of Confidence

Published at August 23, 2017 01:22 AM | 2259views 

Evidence suggests that trade from Kashmir and Ladakh region to Karachi and Gilgit existed with more frequency than trade with other regions  

http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/prioritising-kargil-skardu-route-to-build-line-of-confidence 

Ravi Nitesh

ravinitesh@gmail.com

Recently, the Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti gave a positive statement on the opening of few new routes across LoC and said that it would be beneficial for trade as well as in Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between India and Pakistan.

Her visit to Kargil resulted as her open favor towards opening of Kargil-Skadu route for which people of this region are waiting since long.

Opening of new routes across Line of Control (LoC) may certainly work as one of the most concrete steps that may help both countries and people across LoC and Kargil-Skardu route may come on priority due to reasons attached with this route.

It is also a welcoming sign that Chief Minister is providing open promises towards the same though with a RTI appeal received by me through Ministry of Home Affairs, it was observed an year ago that no official proposal was ever submitted by Jammu Kashmir during last three years (2016.2015.2014) for opening of any such routes.    

Prior to independence, many routes through Jammu Kashmir were open and even served purpose for flow of trade and culture through people. The historic silk route in the past was through here and played a significant role in history.

There were written evidences that said that trade from Kashmir and Ladakh region to Karachi and Gilgit were in existence with more frequency than trade with other regions. History also tells us that how beautifully the people at that time even used Jhelum River as mode of trade in addition to road. 

After independence in 1947 and subsequent turmoil in the state due to conflict between India and Pakistan, LoC (earlier ceasefire line and after 1972 Simla Agreement, known as LoC) became so stringent that it not only stopped trade but also restricted the contact and movement of people in this region.

When India and Pakistan got engaged with each other on the peace process, many Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) were taken including one of the most important ones being the start of buses across LoC in the year 2005 and later opening of two routes Poonch-Rawalkot and Uri-Muzaffarabad routes across LoC in the year 2008.

Trade from these existing and operational routes is benefiting the region with multifold increase in its volume year by year. Success of opening of these routes can be estimated from the fact that it was recently told in Jammu Kashmir Assembly that during the last three years, there has been a trade of approx 2800 crore.

This is the case when this cross LoC trade has so many restrictions such as providing easy communication medium to traders, easy banking system, legal framework for settling disputes and their regular meetings.

But its success should be measured more in terms of its sustainability as despite all ups and downs in relation of India and Pakistan since 2008 and even during curfew time in J&K, trade continued and sustained itself.

Still, there is a need and potential to open more routes - routes that may be considered to open includes Jammu-Sialkot, Kargil-Skardu, Nowshera-Jhangar and others.

With the available potential and alternatives of routes, government may prioritise the route that should be opened first. With this objective, criteria can be the boost of trade, facility to local people and developing CBMs.

Two most probable routes are Jammu-Sialkot and Kargil-Skardu that may bring multiple benefits to all stakeholders. On logical facts, it seems that Kargil-Skardu route should get the priority of the Government.

There are several reasons to prioritise on the Kargil-Skardu route. In view of cultural and ethnic diversity, the state consists of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions. In the presently open routes of Uri-Muzaffarabad, Uri falls in Kashmir region while in Poonch- Rawalkote route, Poonch falls in Jammu region. Clearly, it is only Ladakh region that lags behind to be connected.

Also, the second expected route Jammu-Sialkot (through R S Pura sector) falls in area where international border exists and therefore opening this would mean bi-lateral trade route instead of across LoC trade route and therefore it would not be as much useful for CBMs as it would be for Kargil-Skardu. .

Ladakh is also the least developed region of J&K state having lowest rank districts in per capita income among districts of Jammu and Kashmir regions while it is rich in terms of fruits and crops.

Opening Kargil-Skardu route is a popular demand of people in this region. This route was a stretch of historical silk route through which the culture of one place moved to other. Kargil was one of the main halts of travelers at that time of history.

Points in favor of opening this route are not just limited to its association with the silk route. Instead it is also because of several other reasons. People living in this region across LoC (Kargil and Skardu) speaks same language and have cultural and ethnic similarity with its adjacent region of Skardu-Gilgit while their language and culture have no affinity with other regions on both sides of LoC and therefore opening this route may also give a sense of oneness and unification of hearts and emotions.

In security terms, this region did not show any pattern of militancy, infiltration or any such activities and is considered comparatively more peaceful than even areas of presently open routes.

During my visit to Kargil last year, many people with whom I met shared with me different stories and memories of their distant families who are living across border. It is estimated that there are nearly 8000 divided families are living in this area. One may hear some extremely emotional stories of their meeting together whenever it becomes possible for them.

Distance between Kargil and Skardu is just around 170 kms and from the adjacent hill of last village (Indian side) Hundarma, one may see villages across LoC through naked eyes as they are not on much distance. People have their immediate ancestors in each other’s villages. With these divided families of same ethnicity, re-opening the route would help them a lot.

At present people need to travel from Kargil to Skardu via Srinagar, New Delhi, Atari, Lahore and Islamabad that counts for more than 2500 km and 4-5 days, while the same would be done with travel of few hours condition to opening of the route.

Potential of trade is high and commodities can have their way in trade-in and trade-out (Usually exports are called traded out and imports as traded in due to the reason that both countries do not accept LoC as international border and consider the trade as trade between two regions) and it may serve purpose to the future vision of connecting with Central Asia to stronger Indo-Pak bonds.

International Tourists who visit Ladakh region may also get an option to travel via this route and may bring more revenue to the region on both sides of LoC.

Opening this all-weather route will be a boost in CBMs and may pave the way in resolving conflicts, bringing prosperity in the region.

More importantly, the true objective of bringing peace should have a base of strong bond through not only trade and strengthening local economy but more through emotionally by connecting hearts.

Kargil-Skardu route deserves all such virtue to qualify for being open at first and it may help both central and state government to get their objectives fulfilled.  

- Ravi Nitesh (Twitter@ravinitesh) 

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