The 16th National Voters’ day was observed in Kargil on January 25 at the Ice Hockey Rink, Bemathang, with Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon attending the function as the chief guest.

The event was organised under the theme “My India, My Vote – Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.”

Addressing the gathering, the CEC said India, often described as the mother of democracy, derives its greatest strength from democratic values in which power truly rests with the people. He emphasised that democracy in the country is not limited to higher institutions but is deeply rooted at the grassroots, ensuring active public participation in governance.

He said the power to elect representatives lies with the people, and equally important is their constitutional right to hold elected leaders accountable and remove them through democratic means. Reflecting the spirit of the Constitution, he remarked that governance in India is truly “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

Highlighting the significance of elections, the CEC noted that the Indian Parliament is the largest democratic platform in the world and that the vote of every citizen, irrespective of constituency, carries equal value.

On the occasion, Dr. Akhoon thanked the District Election Officer and all stakeholders for the successful organisation of the event. Expressing satisfaction over the high level of political awareness in Kargil, he said people in the district actively participate in the electoral process. He urged new and eligible voters to enrol themselves through the official voter registration portal to further strengthen democracy.

The CEC also lauded the efforts of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for their dedicated work at the grassroots level in ensuring accurate electoral rolls and free, fair and transparent elections.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Kargil urged first-time voters to register themselves in the electoral rolls, stating that voter participation forms the backbone of a strong democracy. He appreciated the efforts of BLOs, supervisors and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) in ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in the district.

The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to the public to cooperate with the Election Department during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, stressing that public participation is essential to maintain error-free electoral rolls.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, Joint Director (Finance) Iftikhar Hussain and other district officers were present at the event.

The programme concluded with a friendly ice-hockey match between the DC and CEC teams, followed by a performance by Ranthak Theatre highlighting the importance of youth and first-time voters in strengthening Indian democracy.