Kargil, Oct 13/ VOL News Desk/ Move strengthens Congress position in LAHDC Kargil; party leaders reaffirm commitment to secular and democratic values. In a significant political development in Kargil, two independent councillors of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil formally joined the Indian National Congress, marking a notable shift in local political dynamics.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on Monday evening by the District Congress Committee (DCC) Kargil. The event was attended by Working President of Ladakh Territorial Congress, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai; DCC President and Councillor Nasser Hussain Munshi; DCC General Secretary Ghulam Raza; Youth Congress President Manzoor Hussain; and several other party officials and workers.

During the press briefing, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai said that at a time when secularism, harmony, and the composite culture of India are under strain, there is a growing need to protect these values, which form the foundation of the nation’s identity.
He emphasized, “If any political party today truly upholds and safeguards India’s secular and democratic spirit, it is the Congress Party.”

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Karbalai said that inspired by the Congress’s ideology and policies, Hujjat-ul-Islam Sheikh Mohammad Ansari, Councillor from Barsoo, and Agha Syed Ali Mousavi, Councillor from GMPore, have decided to join the Congress Party. Welcoming both councillors into the party fold, Karbalai congratulated them and assured that the Congress leadership would extend full support in all spheres of their public service.

He further stated that the mission of the Congress Party is rooted in secularism, democracy, justice, and brotherhood, and that the party has always worked for regional development, peace, and public welfare. He expressed hope that the newly joined councillors would actively spread the party’s message in their respective constituencies and play a vital role in addressing people’s issues.

On this occasion, Haji Anwar Ali, a senior party worker and former Block President, also rejoined the Congress Party. The leadership appreciated his past contributions and expressed confidence that his experience would help further strengthen the party’s presence in Kargil.

Concluding the press conference, DCC President Nasser Hussain Munshi extended a warm welcome to all the new members, reiterating that the Congress has always worked for the public good and will continue to strive to uphold people’s trust and confidence.

As a gesture of welcome, Sheikh Mohammad Ansari and Agha Syed Ali were presented with traditional Khata scarves amid applause from party members and supporters.

It is noteworthy that in the 2023 LAHDC Kargil elections, the National Conference (NC) secured 12 seats, the Congress won 10, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged 2, and 2 independent candidates emerged victorious. The NC and Congress currently run a coalition government in the Hill Council.