KARGIL, JUNE 16: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting at the Council Secretariat to review and finalize arrangements for the observance of Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH across the district.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS); Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba Musawi; Additional Deputy Commissioner Shabbir Hussain; senior officers from the Police, Traffic Police, Health Department, PHE, PDD, R&B, Municipal Committee Kargil and representatives of religious organisations, including Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) and Jamiatul Ulama Isna Ashria Kargil (JUIAK).
Detailed discussions were held on arrangements for Muharram processions and congregations, including uninterrupted power and water supply, healthcare facilities, deployment of doctors and ambulances, traffic management, sanitation, public address systems and other essential services.
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Akhoon directed all departments to complete preparations well in time and maintain close coordination to ensure the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram. He instructed the Chief Medical Officer, Kargil, to establish an additional medical camp at Taxi Stand Ground to cater to emergencies during the mourning period.
The CEC also directed the Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply throughout Muharram. Stressing public convenience, he called for proactive planning and efficient execution of all arrangements.
To maintain law and order, Dr. Akhoon instructed the Police Department and district administration to ensure strict adherence to designated schedules and effective deployment of magistrates and volunteers along procession routes.
Highlighting the importance of cleanliness, the CEC directed the Municipal Committee Kargil to intensify sanitation measures at congregation venues and along procession routes. He also proposed recognising Municipal Committee workers after Muharram for their contribution towards the successful conduct of the annual event.
Representatives of religious organisations raised various demands and suggestions related to transportation, parking facilities and logistical support for devotees. Dr. Akhoon assured them that all genuine concerns would be addressed in coordination with the concerned departments.
Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar emphasised strict enforcement of magistracy arrangements and adherence to approved schedules. He directed that volunteers engaged in arrangements should preferably be government employees to ensure greater accountability and coordination.
The Deputy Commissioner also assured adequate ambulance services, directed that upper roads remain accessible for emergency vehicles, and instructed the PHE Department to make additional water arrangements wherever necessary. He further called for enhanced sanitation measures, proper crowd management, advance procurement of required permissions and improved communication through the use of walkie-talkies.
The PDD was directed to ensure adequate lighting across the town and procession routes during the observance period.
Dr. Akhoon assured all possible support from the Council and district administration for the successful conduct of Muharram and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, disciplined and hassle-free observance across Kargil district.
The meeting concluded with all stakeholders pledging close coordination and cooperation to uphold the sanctity of the occasion and facilitate the smooth conduct of Muharram-related activities.
