VoL Desk, Nov. 09: Executive Councilor I&FC/PHE, Kacho Mohd Feroz, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC, Kargil Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, attended the ‘Sadbhavana: Salaam Kargil’ event organized by the Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) at Auditorium Hall, Kargil today. The theme of the event was ‘EK Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Besides, IMF Convenor Satnam Singh Sandhu, Moulana Qalbe Rushed, the heads of religious organizations/institutions, clerics, social activists, students, prominent citizens, and a large number of people were also present.

Executive Councillor, Kacho Mohd Feroz said there is no need to teach patriotism to the people of Kargil; rather, focus should be given to solving the issues and challenges of the people of Kargil. He urged the IMF to act as an ambassador for raising their voice in New Delhi.

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In his speech, DC Kargil stated that Kargil should not be treated as the last village of India; rather, it should be considered the country’s first village. He further appreciated the steps taken by IMF in the way of nation-building.

Convener IMF, Satnam Singh Sandhu thanked the people of Kargil for their role in wars and nation-building. He assured to convey the messages and issues raised by the speakers of Kargil to the concerned in Delhi. He also announced Shaheed Vikram Batra scholarship for Kargil students and a Golden scholarship for girls students. Also, he would try to establish a digital university campus in Kargil. He thanked all the families of martyrs, participants, and speakers.

Moulana Kalb e Rushaid said that we have to change the narration from “Kashmir to Kanyakumari” to “Kargil to Kanyakumari.” He felt that India is in the thoughts, aspirations, and action of the people of Kargil.

President JUIAK, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi, highlighted the role of Islamic scholars in promoting peace, harmony, and patriotism. He also discussed the role of the people of Kargil in safeguarding the borders and national security, which he said is incomparable. He further emphasized issues like air connectivity and the establishment of directorate offices in Kargil.

Vice Chairman, IKMT, Sheikh Bashir Shakir highlighted the importance of the Indian constitution, particularly the religious freedom enshrined in Article 25 to 28. He said that since 1947, the people of Kargil have played a role of warriors or soldiers but without a uniform. He also emphasized key issues of Kargil like air connectivity, establishment of Doordarshan Kendra, outsourcing jobs, and rising unemployment in Kargil.

Social Activist, Sajjad Kargili, said that we are Indian by choice, not by chance. We are inspired by the values of the Indian constitution, freedom of speech, and democracy. He also raised some issues like ITBP recruitment and rising unemployment. He also requested the IMF to fix a meeting with PMO so that we can express our feelings and issues directly with the PM of India.

Lastly, families of martyrs of the 1999 war were honored, and special awards were given to religious organizations JUIAK, IKMT, Anjuman Sahib Zaman, Anjuman Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaay, Anjuman Sofia Noorbakshia, Sikh community, Students Education Movement of Kargil, and All Kargil Ladakh Students Association Delhi.