Kargil, Feb 15: Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Wednesday inaugurated the 2nd Edition of Zanskar Winter Sport & Tourism festival 2023-24 at Sport Stadium Padum Zanskar.

The CEC inaugurated the festival in presence of Executive Councilor, RDD/PR, FC&CA, ZDA and Information, Er. Punchok Tashi, Executive Councilor Education, Mechanical and Handloom Zakir Hussain and Councilor Drass, Abdul Samad.

Sub Divisional Magistrate Zanskar, Romil Singh Donk, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mohd Sharif, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kacho Liyaqat and other District and Sub Divisional Officers and huge audience were also present during the inaugural function.

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The chief guest and other guests arrived at the venue by raiding Horses and Yaks from Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in presence of artists, organizing committee with local musicians. After the inauguration of the festival, the chief guest and other dignitaries visited the stalls set up by various departments and self-help groups (SHG) and monks.

The festival was started by reciting of Mangla Charm (Puja) and Mask Dance by the monks of various monasteries, folk song and dance were also presented by local artists.

While addressing the gathering, EC Tashi congratulated the people of Zanskar and thanked Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor for posting an IAS Officer as SDM in Zanskar. He also emphasized that the new SDM will work hard for upliftment of the area in developmental sectors.

The EC also congratulated the ice hockey team for participating in the CEC Cup at Kargil and won three consecutive wins in that tournament.

The CEC expressed his condolence to the family members of late Stanzin Dolkar, whose case is under investigation and the report of forensic test is awaiting. He also disclosed that, in this case a person is also arrested from West Benglore and is under trails by the Ladakh Police.

CEC Dr Jaffer also announced an amount of Rs 2 crores for renovation of residence of His Holiness the Dalia Lama ji on the request of president Zanskar Budhist Association, besides EC Er Phunsok Tashi and Councilor Karsha had approached the LAHDC for the demand.

He also informed the gathering that LAHDC Kargil acknowledges and supports the demand of District for Zanskar and also other subdivisions including Sankoo and Drass who are demanding for district status.

CEC Dr Jaffer said that as per the recent Gazette of India the inclusion of Gujjar, Bakarwal and Gaddi in the Shedule tribes of Ladakh is serious concern as there is no population of the said tribes in Ladakh. The CEC requested the Government of India to review the gazette as it raises serious concerns and goes against the aspirations of the people of Ladakh. He also requested the Honorable LG Ladakh to intervene in the matter.

The CEC and other guests also witnessed the exhibition Ice Hockey Match between Zanskar winter sport foundation v/s Chaddar timer, in which the chaddar timer won the match by scoring 2 goals against Zanskar winter sport Foundation.

Later, the chief guest and dignitaries also witnessed the snow ski competition at Zanskar Snow Ski School Padum, in which under 13 girls’ cross-country race and down-hill one by one race also conducted by the organizers.