Kargil, August 27, 2025: The Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, extended heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri Kavinder Gupta for their gracious presence at the Suru Summer Festival. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akhoon highlighted that Suru Valley is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the unmatched hospitality of its people. He said that with the continuous support and monetary assistance of the Union Territory Administration, the scale and scope of the Suru Summer Festival will grow manifold in the coming years, creating greater opportunities for tourism and local livelihood. The CEC also put forth key demands of the region, including the establishment of a Trekking and Mountaineering Institute in Suru, the opening of the Pahalgam–Panikhar road, and district status for Sankoo Sub-Division. He expressed hope that both the Central Government and the UT Administration will take these demands seriously and implement developmental measures to unlock the full potential of Kargil. Dr. Akhoon further extended thanks to the District Administration for putting all necessary arrangements in place, the social media influencers from outside Ladakh who came to promote Suru as a prime tourist destination, and the visitors, tourists, and local community members for turning up in such large numbers despite the harsh weather conditions. He assured that the Suru Summer Festival will be organized at an even larger scale in the coming years, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and importance of the event. He also noted that the recent inclusion of Suru in the “25 Best Destinations” by National Geographic is a proud achievement for the region and will significantly contribute to positioning Suru as a premier destination for tourism at both national and international levels. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Akhoon once again expressed sincere gratitude to Shri Kiren Rijiju and Shri Kavinder Gupta for supporting the aspirations of the people of Kargil and reaffirmed LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to sustainable development and tourism promotion in the region.