Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil:DD, The Jamait Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUAIK) Ladakh accorded a warm and traditional welcome to the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, at the historic Islamic seminary (Hozia Ilmiya Isna Asharia), Kargil.
The LG was received by the President of JUAIK, Hojjatul Islam Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, who felicitated him with the traditional Kargili shawl as a mark of respect and honour.
The grand reception witnessed the presence of several key dignitaries including Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhone, Member Parliament Ladakh Haji Hanifa Jan, Executive Councilor Aga Syed Mujtaba, Chairman Haj Committee Ladakh Mohd Ali Majaz, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police Shree Ram R, Former Chairman J&K Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali, Former CECs Kacho Ahmad Khan and Feroz Ahmad Khan, Vice President JUAIK Sheikh Ghulam Ali Mufeedi, General Secretary Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili, members of the Ulema Council, prominent religious scholars, social leaders, and a large gathering of the public.
In his welcome address, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi congratulated Kavinder Gupta on his appointment as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh and appreciated his outreach by visiting Kargil early in his tenure.
He highlighted the multifaceted social initiatives of JUAIK in the fields of education, healthcare, disaster management, and environmental sustainability, alongside its core mission of promoting religious values.
He also expressed gratitude to former LG Dr. BD Mishra for supporting JUAIK’s massive plantation drive of 1 lakh saplings and expressed optimism that the new LG will continue such support and cooperation.
While addressing the gathering, LG Kavinder Gupta thanked JUAIK for the warm welcome and commended the people of Kargil for their discipline, hospitality, and faith in inclusive progress.
He lauded the Islamic School Kargil and its young leadership, calling it one of the most influential institutions in Ladakh.
“I believe in inclusive development, and for Ladakh to prosper, all segments—administration, public, and religious institutions—must work hand-in-hand like one family,” said the LG.
He added that his visit to the seminary may be the first ever by a sitting LG of #Ladakh and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive outreach.
Speaking on infrastructure, he stated, “The Zojila Tunnel, a dream project for Kargil, is progressing well and is expected to be completed by April next year. I was impressed to see the resilience of our people working in such harsh conditions.”
The LG assured that the Union Government’s mission of “Development at the Doorstep” will be implemented effectively and public issues will be addressed on a priority basis.
Political in-charge of JUAIK, Sajjad Kargili, while welcoming the LG, reiterated the Islamic School Kargil’s historical significance and deep-rooted faith of the people in the institution across all sects.
He highlighted Ulema’s role in promoting peace and denouncing violence during the turbulent 1990s, emphasizing their bold stand against armed militancy in Kashmir by declaring it un-Islamic.
He urged the LG to resolve the long-pending civil airport issue in Kargil and appealed for the establishment of a General Administration Department sub-office in Kargil to streamline locally governance and administrative access.DD
