Leh/Kargil, Aug 16: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDCs), Leh and Kargil celebrated the 79th Independence Day of the nation with great enthusiasm and patriotic zeal.
Chairmen of the Hill Councils led the celebrations hoisting the National Flag in Leh and Kargil districts.
Importantly, the Chief Secretary Dr Pawan Kotwal hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the parade at the UT Secretariat, Leh. Earlier in the day, the CS hoisted the National Flag at his residence.
In Leh, the celebrations at the Council Secretariat were led by the Advocate Tashi Gyalson, who unfurled the Tricolour amid spirited renditions of the National Anthem.
On the occasion, CEC Tashi Gyalson extended warm greetings and congratulations to the people of India, the entire Ladakh region, the armed and paramilitary forces, public representatives, and all citizens.
He stated that the celebration of this day serves as a constant reminder of the immense sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for the nation’s freedom.
Emphasising that the nation must always come first, he called upon everyone to contribute, in their respective capacities, towards the unity, progress, and prosperity of both Ladakh and the country as a whole.
The event was attended by Dy. Chairman Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillor for Rural Development Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; Executive Councillor for Minority Affairs Ghulam Mehdi; Executive Councillor for Agriculture Stanzin Chosphel; DC, CEO, LAHDC Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Councillors of LAHDC Leh; along with other dignitaries, officials, and staff of the Council Secretariat.
In Kargil, Chairman Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, hoisted the National Flag at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium, Biamathang, Kargil, and took the salute at the march past as the nation marked its 79th Independence Day.
The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from contingents of Ladakh Police, the Police Band Party, and students from various government and private schools.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Executive Councillors Kacho Mohammad Feroz and Phunchok Tashi; Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, Shree Ram R.; Directors of FCS&CA, ULB, Tourism and Education; Joint Director Information; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil; ACR Kargil; senior district officers, representatives of religious organisations, and members of the public.
In his address, Dr Jaffer extended greetings to the people of Kargil, paying homage to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Ashfaq Ullah Khan, and Lal Bahadur Shastri. He called Independence Day “a symbol of freedom, independence, and peace,” and urged citizens to work towards the progress and happiness of the nation.
Highlighting ongoing development initiatives, the CEC said efforts were being made to address unemployment and improve education in the district.
Under the Academic Arrangement scheme, 127 teaching positions have been filled, along with the appointment of 849 teachers for Urdu, Hindi, Bhoti, and Mathematics. Laptops are being provided to students in 42 schools under the meritorious programme.
He announced that a fair and transparent transfer policy for teachers would be implemented soon. Recruitment drives are underway to fill divisional and district cadre vacancies, while applications for gazetted posts are being processed through the UPSC.
For power grid load management, solar plants are being installed in 320 schools, expected to be operational by October.
Under a subsidy scheme, heaters have been distributed to 5,000 households, while solar water lift and irrigation systems have also been implemented.
The CEC said that under the Bosymet-e-Goyoks housing scheme, 400 eligible beneficiaries would receive around ₹6 crore for the construction of new houses.
For horticulture, ₹45 lakh has been allocated to install modern apricot washing, cleaning, and packaging machinery capable of processing three tonnes per hour. This year, 1.5 metric tonnes of fresh apricots have been exported to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Referring to recent flash floods in Shakar-Chiktan, Suru, and adjoining areas, Dr. Jaffer urged the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh to declare these regions disaster-affected and release emergency funds for rehabilitation.
Recognising achievements; Dr Jaffer congratulated local achievers, including Ghulam Mehdi from Suru, who cleared the UPSC examination to secure an IPS posting, and Rinchin Youdol, who won a gold medal at the 10th Asian Para Taekwondo Championship in Malaysia.
Following the address, awards were presented to officers and officials for their exceptional public service. Students who participated in the parade were given certificates, mementoes, and consolation prizes.
