The 75th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium, Bemathang, Kargil, where Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, unfurled the National Flag.

Dr. Jaffer inspected the parade at the stadium, taking the salute during the march past by contingents of Ladakh Police, police band party, NCC Cadets, and school contingents.

Notable attendees included Executive Councilor I&FC/PHE/Tourism, LAHDC, Kargil, Kacho Mohammad Feroz; Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Suse; SP Anayat Ali Choudhary; Brigade Commander 121 Brigade; Chairman Hajj Committee, Ladakh, Mohd Ali Majaz; District Treasury Officer Kargil, Iftikhar Hussain; Director Tourism Ladakh, Kunzes Angmo; ADC Kargil; Joint Director Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho; along with senior officers, district officers, councilors, PRI members, and representatives from various religious, political, and social organizations. District awardees, sports persons, students, and a large gathering of the public were also present.

In his Republic Day address, Dr. Jaffer extended congratulations and emphasized the significance of January 26, 1950, when the Indian Constitution was enacted, granting the country the status of an independent democracy. He highlighted the principles of equality enshrined in the Constitution, emphasizing that all religions, nationalities, colors, and races have equal rights without discrimination.

Dr. Jaffer called upon the people to actively participate in the development of villages, cities, and the entire country with a spirit of patriotism. He paid tribute to the veteran soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the safety and security of the nation.

He said the Council is dedicated to enhancing and developing the district, leaving no area overlooked adding the goal is to propel the district to new heights of development. He highlighted ongoing projects for public welfare, emphasizing a clean, transparent, corruption-free, and accountable administration. Developmental works in health, PWD, tourism, sports, and rural development are progressing, with a focus on stabilizing other sectors.

Dr. Jaffer discussed the priority given to the health sector, mentioning the recent inauguration of a 160-slice CT-scan machine in District Hospital Kargil. He detailed plans for additional construction in the health sector, including an Rs 89 crore block for the district hospital and the installation of an MRI machine. He discussed plans for over 60 Health and Wellness Centres, approval for an Urban PHC in NHM, and free diagnostic procedures in hospitals. Efforts to provide staff in NTPHCS were mentioned, along with collaboration with the Army to address the shortage of specialists.

Expressing gratitude to the Indian Army and BRO, Dr. Jaffer acknowledged their contributions to training candidates for Army and Police recruitment and providing better connectivity through infrastructure projects.

Regarding facilities outside Ladakh, the CEC highlighted reduced room rents in Srinagar and Jammu, ongoing construction of Kargil Bhawan in Delhi, and efforts to provide better accommodation for students, commuters, and patients.

Tourism was emphasized as a crucial part of the economy, with plans to promote it through infrastructure development and the creation of a tourist circuit. Dr. Jaffer mentioned efforts to link viewpoints like Changi La Mushkoo Valley and Tiger Hill to the tourism map with the support of the Army.

Under Urban Development, the CEC announced the commencement of projects such as multi-level car parking, sewage treatment plant, and 24x7 water supply scheme. He discussed the revised Homestay Policy, including the inclusion of 550 deserving people to set up homestays.

Dr. Jaffer addressed issues with the UPSC examination center, promising action, and discussed various initiatives in education, including providing laptops to meritorious students, free boarding for students during winter vacations, and employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth.

Projects for residential facilities, the Iqbal Mangrove Hydel Project, and the Zojila Tunnel were discussed. Dr. Jaffer expressed gratitude for the initiative to clean Kurbathang Plateau and emphasized support for ice hockey.

The CEC concluded by expressing gratitude to all officers, employees, and volunteers for their contributions and thanked the Lieutenant Governor for his recent visit to Kargil.

The Republic Day event featured colorful cultural programs and patriotic songs presented by students from various schools. Dr. Jaffer and dignitaries distributed mementos and certificates to recognize outstanding performances and contributions to public welfare. Prizes were also awarded to participants in the march past and cultural programs.