Kargil, July 10, 2025 – Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon today chaired a high-level coordination meeting at the Council Secretariat, Kargil, to review and finalize the preparations for the forthcoming visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Zanskar, Kargil.
The meeting involved in-depth deliberations on logistical, administrative, and security arrangements to ensure a smooth and respectful reception for His Holiness. Key focus areas included traffic regulation, issuance of vehicle passes, deployment of volunteers at designated parking zones, and facilitating seamless access for essential staff. The CEC also emphasized on provisions for emergency response, directing that ambulances and medical teams shall remain on standby during the visit.
Dr. Akhoon called upon all departments to work in close synergy, highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline and coordination. He stated, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama is not only a revered spiritual leader for the Buddhist community but a global messenger of peace and brotherhood. It is a moment of great pride for us that he is visiting our region. We must ensure that every aspect of his visit is managed with utmost dedication, respect, and care. There should be no gap in the services extended to His Holiness.”
He advised the Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, to ensure immediate “go-ahead” provisions for timely tendering of essential services. The Executive Engineer, PHE Zanskar, was instructed to ensure uninterrupted water supply and availability of water tankers. The Assistant Director, Food & Consumer Affairs, was directed to arrange subsidized food grains for the duration of the visit.
In view of the age and health status of His Holiness, the Chief Medical Officer, was instructed to ensure robust medical support and heightened precautionary measures. The Department of Information was directed to handle public address systems and media coverage, while security agencies were asked to maintain strict yet smooth arrangements. The Executive Engineer, PDD, was instructed to ensure uninterrupted electricity and necessary power backups. Additionally, the Tourism Department was asked to ensure proper accommodation arrangements.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of the Zanskar Buddhist Association (ZBA) extended heartfelt gratitude to LAHDC Kargil for convening the meeting and making elaborate arrangements for the visit.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz, Executive Councillor Er. Phunchok Tashi, Executive Councillor Zakir Hussain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, SE R&B Skalzang Dorjay, Executive Engineer PHE Mohammad Hassan, CMO Dr. Liyaqat Ali, SDM Zanskar Mohd Hassan, DySP DAR Tsering Tundup, Executive Engineer R&B Zanskar Villayat Ali Khan, Assistant Director Food & Consumer Affairs Samina Khatoon, Assistant Director Tourism Mohammad Ali Tak, Assistant Executive Engineer PDD Mohammad Ali, Executive Engineer PHE Zanskar Furman Ali, ARTO Kargil Khadim Hussain, Tourist Officer Ghulam Rasool, President ZBA Zanskar Pasang Lwang and other senior officials.
