Kargil, Apr 24: The Kargil Campus of the University of Ladakh hosted a closely watched presidential debate for the Ladakh University Student Union (LUSU) elections for the 2025–26 session, offering students a forum to scrutinise candidates and raise pressing campus concerns.
Held at the campus Conference Hall on April 22, the debate brought presidential contenders Mohammed Ilyas and Arif Ali face-to-face in a structured exchange centred on student welfare, administrative transparency and institutional accountability. The discussion, marked by pointed arguments and measured responses, reflected growing student engagement in campus governance.
The event was organised under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha and overseen at the campus level by Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-Charge Administration. Election Officer Dr. Shriprakash Pal, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of informed participation and adherence to fair electoral practices, setting the tone for the proceedings.
Both candidates presented their manifestos before engaging in a direct debate on issues such as hostel fee hikes, financial oversight and administrative responsiveness. Their exchanges highlighted contrasting approaches but remained focused on practical solutions, drawing attentive responses from the audience.
Student participation formed the core of the programme, with a question-and-answer session that saw queries on scholarships, academic tours, facilities for day scholars, NSS activities, library access, gym charges and hostel food quality. The candidates addressed these concerns with assurances of corrective measures and policy attention if elected.
Dr. Mehboob Ali, in his address, emphasised the need for transparency and coordination between the administration and the student body, while also calling for the preservation of institutional decorum throughout the electoral process.
The debate was moderated by Dr. Abhishek Sharma, who ensured a balanced and orderly exchange, while Dr. Shivangi Bahadur conducted the proceedings as anchor.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Presiding Officer Dr. Qutsia Tabassum, who acknowledged the role of the university administration, faculty and students in facilitating what was described as an engaged and orderly democratic exercise.
The debate is being viewed as a reflection of an increasingly participatory student culture at the Kargil Campus, with electoral discourse moving beyond routine campaigning to issue-based engagement.
