CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on August 5 called on Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya, in New Delhi and held a detailed discussion on key developmental priorities for Kargil district, including the newly created districts of Drass and Zanskar.

During the meeting, Dr. Akhoon formally invited the Union Minister to attend the upcoming Suru Summer Festival 2026 as the Chief Guest, highlighting the festival's role in promoting the rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and scenic beauty of the Suru Valley at the national level.
Dr. Mandaviya accepted the invitation and confirmed his participation as the Chief Guest, expressing keen interest in the region's cultural heritage and tourism prospects.

The meeting also focused on the proposed establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Sports and a Mountaineering Institute in Kargil. Dr. Akhoon highlighted the region's immense potential for mountaineering and adventure sports and sought the Ministry's support in establishing a dedicated institute that would provide world-class training facilities to the youth of Ladakh while positioning Kargil as a national hub for mountaineering and adventure sports.

Employment-related issues concerning the youth of Kargil, Drass and Zanskar also featured prominently during the discussion. The CEC stressed the need for enhanced skill development programmes, greater employment opportunities, and increased central support to address unemployment challenges in the region.

Dr. Mandaviya assured the CEC of the Ministry's full support and stated that the issues raised during the meeting would be given due priority.

Dr. Akhoon thanked the Union Minister for his time and support and reaffirmed LAHDC Kargil's commitment to working closely with the Government of India for the holistic development of Kargil, Drass and Zanskar.