Leh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit the Union Territory of Ladakh to interact with residents and inaugurate several key infrastructure initiatives, announced Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju during an address at the Druk Padma Karpo School’s silver jubilee celebrations in Shey.
While the specific travel schedule is yet to be disclosed, reports indicate the Prime Minister will inaugurate multiple public works nearing completion. Rijiju emphasized that the development of Ladakh, the Northeast, and Jammu and Kashmir remains a top priority for the central leadership.
Key Highlights of the Address:
Special Status via Article 371:
The Ministry of Home Affairs is actively preparing constitutional safeguards under Article 371 tailored specifically for Ladakh, which Rijiju indicated would take effect in the near future.
Infrastructure and Connectivity:
The region has seen substantial progress over the past decade, turning multi-day cross-territory travel into trips that take only a few hours.
Administrative Reforms: The recent establishment of additional districts and the granting of Union Territory status address long-standing local aspirations. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a dedicated High Court bench in Ladakh.
Minority Inclusion:
Highlighting his own appointment as the first Buddhist cabinet minister, Rijiju reiterated the government’s commitment to minority empowerment and equitable opportunities.
Message to Students: Addressing the youth, Rijiju urged students to remain grounded in their local heritage and exercise caution with online trends, cautioning that unverified digital influence can lead to social unrest.
