Ease registration process for foreign tourists, Ladakh leaders urge Shah

As tourism in Kashmir Valley has taken a hit due to the recent terror attack, Ladakh leaders are working to increase the footfall of international tourists for which they also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

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A delegation of BJP leaders, including Leh hill council chief Tashi Gyalson, Ladakh BJP president Phunchok Stanzin, former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal among others, met Shah on Saturday and urged him to simplify registration process for the visit of foreign tourists so that they can come to the Union Territory with ease.

The leaders pointed out the difficulties faced by foreign tourists due to the current registration process and appealed to the Home Minister for a simplified procedure to make Ladakh more accessible to international travellers.

Recognising the importance of Ladakh’s global identity, the delegation requested that all Indian embassies—especially those in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada update their web information to reflect Ladakh’s status as a separate Union Territory. This is essential to ensure accurate international representation and avoid confusion abroad, they said.

They also proposed the formation of a dedicated Ladakh Development Corporation to manage regional development more efficiently and address financial irregularities, especially in light of the ongoing challenges with the J&K Development Finance Corporation.

An invitation was extended to Amit Shah to visit Ladakh and witness the progress in the region. During the discussion, the delegation raised several pressing issues. They stressed the urgent need to strengthen the gazetted recruitment process in Ladakh, seeking the Home Minister’s direct intervention to ensure that the rights and interests of local youth are protected.

Concerns were also shared regarding the early opening of the Leh-Manali road, which remains vital for the movement of goods and people. The delegation urged the Centre to expedite the clearance of Baralacha and Shingkula Passes to maintain connectivity. Additionally, the delegation called for more streamlined and locally managed procedures for issuing Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP), suggesting that verification powers be delegated to the District Magistrate of Leh for quicker processing.