CEC Dr. Akhoon unfurls national flag on Republic Day
The 76th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium, Biamathang, on January 26. Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, unfurled the National Flag and presided over the celebrations.
Dr. Akhoon inspected the parade and took the salute from contingents of the Ladakh Police, police band, ex-servicemen, and students from various schools.
In his address, Dr. Akhoon congratulated the people on Republic Day, reflecting on the significance of January 26, 1950, when the Indian Constitution was enacted, establishing India as an independent democracy. He highlighted the principles of equality enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion, nationality, color, or race.
He urged the people to actively contribute to the development of villages, cities, and the nation with a spirit of patriotism. Paying tribute to veteran soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation, he reaffirmed the Hill Council's commitment to advancing the district's development and fostering growth across all sectors.
Dr. Akhoon detailed ongoing initiatives, emphasizing a clean, transparent, and corruption-free administration. He highlighted significant projects in health, tourism, urban development, and infrastructure:
• Health Sector: Installation of a ₹2.5 crore mammography machine and approval for a Tesla MRI-3 for District Hospital Kargil this year. A ₹141.50 crore funding has been sanctioned for constructing additional hospital blocks, with ongoing upgrades at other healthcare facilities.
• Tourism Development: Plans to promote tourism include infrastructure development, creating tourist circuits, and introducing a tourism helpline at Sonamarg. The inclusion of 500 new beneficiaries under the Home Stay Policy and upcoming festivals such as the Neuroz Festival and Apricot Blossom Festival were also announced.
• Urban Development: Projects like multi-level car parking, sewage treatment plants, and a 24x7 water supply scheme are in progress.
Dr. Akhoon highlighted significant progress on the Zojila Tunnel Project, with 10.5 km of the 13 km completed, and expected emergency opening by December 2025. He also announced that 180 km of the 230 km Kargil-Zanskar National Highway (NH-301) is completed, with the remaining stretch set for completion this year.
Addressing unemployment, he stated that LAHDC Kargil is working to fill vacancies in various departments, with recruitment for gazetted posts commencing this year. He also emphasized education initiatives such as providing laptops to meritorious students and free boarding facilities during winter vacations.
The event concluded with vibrant cultural programs and patriotic performances by artists and students from different schools. Dignitaries led by Dr. Akhoon distributed mementos and certificates to recognize exceptional contributions to public welfare. Prizes were awarded to participants of the march past and cultural programs, adding to the celebratory spirit.