With patriotism and great enthusiasm, the 70th Republic Day was celebrated on January 26 at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium.

Feroz Ahmed Khan, Chairman/CEC LAHDC, Kargil hoisted the national tricolor.

Congratulating people on the 70th Republic Day, Feroz Ahmed Khan recalled the contributions of the Constitution makers and supreme sacrifices of the national heroes who laid down their lives for the country. He hailed the services of the Army, paramilitary forces and police in guarding the frontiers of the country in harsh weather and for maintaining peace, order and internal security in the country.

Highlighting the achievements, developmental activities underway and plans in Kargil district, he said that the council is fully committed towards the overall development of the district in all sectors and several important initiatives are underway.

He spoke about various developmental goes on in Health, Public Works, Tourism, Youth Services, and Sports, Rural Development sectors. Under Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP), ₹47 crore sanctioned for the completion of remaining works of the 200 bedded hospital at Kurbathang. Out of the total amount of ₹7 crore rupees have been released and work on the project is likely to be completed within the next two years.

In Public Works sector, he said that under Central Road Funds (CRF) work on the construction of various roads in the district is going on at a total cost of ₹120 crore. 23 new schemes worth₹ 220 crore have been sanctioned under Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Feroz Khan informed that efforts are being made to execute work on the construction of Kargil Zanskar National Highway during the next financial year.

To provide residential facilities to the students of far-off villages studying in Kargil, he informed that work on the construction of Eklavya Model Residential School is going on at a cost of ₹16 crore. Also, ₹ 37 crores have been sanctioned for the completion of the pending construction work of International Ice Hockey Rink at Kurbathang.

Projects including the possession of land for construction of Kargil Bhawan at Dwarka New Delhi at the cost of ₹2 crore, construction of the first ever museum in the district worth ₹6 crore, construction of Kendriya Vidyalaya at Trespone and Girls Hostel through Tribal Affairs Department in Jammu was also highlighted.

Also, he expressed gratitude to the Governor Administration for sanctioning Cluster University for Ladakh region, filling up of the 52 vacant posts of doctors in Kargil district and the kick start of the Srinagar Leh Transmission Line. 

Highlighting the unemployment issue, he said interviews for filling up of the vacant posts in different departments shall be conducted in near future. Also, a transparent recruitment process shall be put in place so that the deserving candidates get their due rights.

He said that the Council is fully committed to augmenting the education sector in the district and is working on a roadmap to bring the most important changes in the sector.

Promotion of winter sports, provision of financial assistance to the students belonging to the BPL category who are preparing for competitive examinations, and progress of solar and hydel projects by Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA) was also highlighted.

He also hailed the efforts of the media fraternity in the district for their role in highlighting the developmental activities and the issues and grievances of the public.

He urged the media persons to refrain from sensationalism and negative news reporting besides to strengthen the institution of media as the fourth pillar of democracy.  

Contingents of Jammu and Kashmir Police, NCC, Army, civil band parties and government and private educational institutions participated in the march past. Colorful cultural programmes were also presented by the artists of Cultural Academy and students of various Government and private educational institutions.

Mementoes and certificates among the employees of various departments, meritorious students, members of NGOs, volunteers and individuals for their extraordinary work was presented.