It was a pity that the core programmes which had been emphasised during President's Rule were deliberately underplayed. One clear casualty at the hands of the new state government was the emotional integration which had been systematically fostered in Ladakh during President's Rule. NH1 is kept clear for traffic because of the alertness, resourcefulness and expertise of the Border Roads Organisation. It is an object lesson to watch the speed with which the repairs are done and the road made usable. Nevertheless, because of heavy snowfall during the prolonged winter, the road is open only for half the year.
Telephone communications are poor.
Kargil has no direct air link and there is frequent disruption of airline schedules in Leh. During winter, Kargil becomes arguably the remotest and most difficult district to administer in the whole country. The team of officers present there have to operate virtually autonomously. The situation, therefore, calls for a well-knit and experienced team to direct development and law and order activities. During my time in Jammu and Kashmir, we had an elderly, mature, seasoned, impeccably honest officer, Mohamed Azim as deputy commissioner.