NEW DELHI: A high-level delegation from Zanskar, led by Sh. Stanzin Lakpa, Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, called on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dept. of Space, Dept. of Atomic Energy.

The primary objective of the visit was to express heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the people of Zanskar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the historic and transformative initiatives in the region which include granting district status to Zanskar - fulfilling a long-pending and emotional demand of the people.

The Delegation also expressed gratitude for connecting the Defense Strategic Nimo-Padum-Darcha Road - a crucial lifeline for connectivity and defense logistics and near Completion of NH-301 (Kargil-Zanskar Highway) - significantly reducing travel time and boosting tourism and trade.

Dr Jitendra Singh also referred to the sanctioning of the Shinkun La Tunnel - a strategic defense tunnel, with its first ground blast inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Kargil Vijay Diwas (26th July), a moment etched in history by the locals who now reverently call it the "Modi Tunnel."

The Minister also observed that once marginalized and long neglected by previous regimes, Zanskar is today witnessing an era of transformation-from isolation to integration, from neglect to development. It is emerging as a new economic and tourism destination in the Himalayas, he said.

The people of Zanskar, said Lakpa, have no words to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, except with folded hands and heartfelt prayers for his long life and continued leadership. He said, the people of the region always look upto PM Modi as their saviour.

The delegation also appreciated Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (IC), for being the torchbearer of these transformative initiatives and for his consistent, personal commitment to the cause of Zanskar and the people of Zanskar.