Kargil, Jan 7: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday flew in a ‘Mantra Aircraft’ from Jammu to Kargil to oversee the final preparedness for a regular and commercial air service to the mountainous and remote area of the State which remains cut-off during winter.
 The Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for CAPD, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Advisor to Chief Minister Mubarak Gul, President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz and Principle Secretary to Chief Minister BB Vyas accompanied the Chief Minister.
 Addressing a public gathering at Kargil, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of regular air service to the area for better communication and tourism. He said such a service is all the more required keeping in view the winter severity in the area along with blockade of National Highway for months together.
 Emphasizing the need for putting in place all requirements and safety measures for starting flights to Kargil, the Chief Minister said that he would take up the issue of subsidizing the air fare for commoners so that they are able to utilize the service especially during winter months.
 Omar said that after launch of construction of Z-Morh tunnel and decision to have Zojila tunnel this year, the air service to Kargil is good news for the people of the district. He referred to his endeavour made in this direction and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, All India Congress General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi and State NC and Congress leadership for paving the way for launch of regular air service to Kargil.  “I am the most fortunate Chief Ministers of the State that a historic event of air service to Kargil is taking place in my tenure for which so many Chief Ministers cherished and worked,” he said, appreciating the Mantra Airlines for coming forward to start a regular air service to Kargil from Jammu.
 He underlined the need for a similar service from Srinagar and said that it would open the area for global tourism.
 The Chief Minister said that accessibility and communication are significant ingredients for growth and development. He said by the construction of Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels and 4-laning of Srinagar-Leh Highway alongwith regular air service will transform the conditions of Kargil district and open new vistas of growth and development.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 7 Jan 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 7 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Jan 2013 00:00:00 IST