Drass marathon 2025: CEC Kargil chairs key meeting with Sarhad NGO
Kargil, Jun 17: Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon today chaired a meeting with representatives of Sarhad NGO and officials to discuss the upcoming Marathon 2025, being organised in the picturesque Drass Valley.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on key preparatory aspects of the marathon and ensure active participation and coordination among all stakeholders, a press release said.
Present during the meeting were Member of Parliament (MP) Ladakh, Haji Hanifa Jan, also joined the meeting virtually by Executive Councillor Kacho Mohammad Feroz, Executive Councillor Er Punchok Tashi, Excutive Councillor Agah Syed Mujtaba, DC Kargil Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Director of Youth Services and Sports Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Councillor Nasir Munshi, Councillor Abdul Samad, Councillor Abdul Wahid, Assistant Director Tourism Mohammad Ali Tak, Abid Ali DYSSO Kargil, senior representatives of SARHAD NGO were also in attendance.
CEC Dr Mohammad d Jaffer Akhoon underscored the importance of such marathons in promoting tourism and showcasing the cultural and scenic richness of Kargil. However, he emphasised that the confidence and involvement of LAHDC Kargil, local elected representatives, and the district administration must be ensured before organising such large-scale events. He also urged that the nomenclature of events should prominently reflect the identity of Kargil or the specific host region to strengthen regional branding.
Dr Akhoon also stressed the need for transparency and accountability from the organising NGOs and called for a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sarhad NGO, LAHDC Kargil, and the District Administration to institutionalize cooperation for such initiatives in the future.
Speaking during the meeting, MP Haji Hanifa Jan appreciated the initiative but voiced concern over the lack of consultation with elected representatives. He reiterated that the success of such events depends on inclusive planning and that the name and identity of Kargil should not be sidelined under any circumstances.
