Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh: In a significant step toward boosting high-altitude operational readiness, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps, inaugurated a Next Generation Vehicle (NGV) Logistics Hub in Leh on Wednesday. Satellite hubs are also planned in Kargil, Tangtse, and Nyoma, enhancing logistics across critical border zones. The initiative aims to address the unique maintenance and supply challenges faced in high-altitude regions, many of which remain inaccessible for months during extreme winters. https://youtu.be/thBaCCIIJCA The hub will function as a centralised system for vehicle maintenance, spare management, and equipment sustenance, ensuring faster turnaround and long-term operational sustainability. A ‘Mother…

Zanskar Valley, Oct 15 — As part of the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar initiative and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Indian Army, in collaboration with medical experts, conducted health awareness seminars and medical screenings in the remote villages of Zanskar Valley. The programme aimed to empower women by promoting holistic health, motherhood, emotional wellness, and breast cancer awareness. Medical staff engaged with community members through interactive sessions, addressing key health concerns and providing guidance on preventive care. The initiative was especially focused on reaching women in areas where access to medical facilities and awareness campaigns is limited. Residents…

Leh: The Jodhpur Central Jail authorities have informed the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), is not lodged in solitary confinement and is being provided all rights available to a detenu, including access to visitors and a laptop. In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the jail superintendent said Wangchuk is in good health, medically sound and physically fit, and has been kept in a standard barrack measuring 20 feet by 20 feet in the general ward of the prison. The affidavit clarified that although Wangchuk is the sole occupant of…

October 13, Leh — A National Integration Tour comprising 25 students and three teachers from Tia, Temisgam, and Tingmosgang villages of Ladakh is currently visiting Delhi and Agra. The students are exploring iconic landmarks such as India Gate, the Red Fort, and the Taj Mahal, gaining firsthand exposure to India’s rich history and architectural heritage. The programme aims to foster stronger bonds between the youth of Ladakh and their peers across the country. Officials noted that such tours provide students with a broader understanding of India’s cultural, historical, and social diversity. By visiting national monuments and interacting with people…

LEH, October 13 — Under the aegis of Operation Sadbhavana, community members from remote villages of Ladakh are nearing the completion of their 13-day National Integration Tour, which commenced on October 3. The delegation, comprising elderly men and women from frontier communities, has been visiting the Buddhist Circuit, including Bodh Gaya, Vaishali, Kushinagar, and Varanasi, to experience India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage firsthand. The programme aims to foster a deeper sense of national unity and connect Ladakh’s remote communities with the larger narrative of the country. During the initial days in Bodh Gaya, participants visited the revered Mahabodhi…

Chandigarh: The All Ladakh Students Welfare Association, Chandigarh (ALSWAC), in coordination with Fridays For Future, Chandigarh Chapter, organized a peaceful rally today demanding the immediate release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and constitutional Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Students, environmentalists, and concerned citizens voiced their concerns over the shrinking democratic and ecological space in the region. The rally underscored how unregulated development in Ladakh poses a threat to glaciers, water sources, and fragile ecosystems. Mohammad Idrees Aba, President of ALSWAC, stated, “The demand for Sixth Schedule is about safeguarding Ladakh’s future. Without constitutional protection and representation, decisions over our land…

LEH, October 12 — Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps, along with all ranks, saluted Lance Naik Harvinder Saini, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Ladakh on October 12, 2025, following medical complications. The Corps offered deep condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief, paying tribute to his dedication and service to the nation. Officials said the sacrifice of Lance Naik Saini would continue to inspire fellow soldiers committed to safeguarding the country’s frontiers under challenging conditions. | The Dispatch Staff

Jammu: In a move aimed at curbing unregulated construction and protecting agricultural land, the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has issued the “Draft Union Territory of Ladakh Building Bye-Laws in Rural Areas 2025.” The draft policy seeks to bring uniformity, safety, and sustainability to building activities across rural parts of the region. https://youtube.com/shorts/zoct8CdVUis?feature=share The proposed bye-laws are designed to regulate new constructions, extensions, alterations, and reconstructions in rural areas. They will apply to all buildings–residential, commercial, and institutional — including those rebuilt after fire, collapse, or demolition. Under the draft framework, rural constructions have been divided into three categories: residential…

Leh: The Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) announced on Saturday that it has completed the digital integration of electricity consumer services across the Union Territory, a move officials say will streamline connections, standardise processes and bring greater transparency to power service delivery in one of India’s most challenging geographies. According to a press release issued by the Power Development Department, the end-to-end online system for electricity connections — developed under ongoing power sector reform initiatives in Ladakh — was completed within the scheduled timeline of 30 September 2025. The digital rollout, the release said, follows a comprehensive review of existing…

KARGIL, October 11 — On World Mental Health Day, the Fire and Fury Corps conducted an awareness drive at Government School Kaksar, focusing on the importance of mental well-being among students. The session highlighted stress management, coping strategies, and the need to break stigma around mental health issues. Students were encouraged to seek support, practice self-care, and promote awareness among peers. Officials noted that fostering mental health awareness from a young age is critical, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions where access to professional support can be limited. Encouraging dialogue and open discussion helps reduce misconceptions and equips students…

Leh: The LAHDC Leh leadership, led by Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor Adv. Tashi Gyalson, observed a two-minute silence in memory of the four young individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident on 24th September 2025. Executive Councillors Stanzin Chosphel, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, and Ghulam Mehdi, and Councillors Karma Namdak (Korzok), Ishey Spalzang (Nyoma), Dr. Morup Dorjay (Lamayuru), Konchok Stanzin (Chushul), Thinles Nurboo (Kungyam), and Stanzin Chosfail (Thiksey) also participated. Prayers were offered for the departed souls, the recovery of the injured, and strength for the bereaved families. The gathering also paid homage to Late Tsering Norboo Lampa,…

KARGIL, October 10— Development work by the Kargil District Administration was temporarily halted following the discovery of an unexploded ordnance (UXO) near the Municipal Solid Waste Management Plant at Kurbathang, Ladakh. Acting swiftly, the Army safely neutralised the UXO and carried out a thorough sanitisation of the site, successfully destroying all bombs discovered in the area. Officials from the Forever in Operations Division commended the professional and timely action of the troops, which ensured the safety of local residents and allowed work at the facility to resume without incident. The operation underscored the high level of training and preparedness…

KARGIL, October 8: The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army organised a medical camp in the remote village of Chiktan, Kargil, providing essential healthcare services to over 145 residents. The initiative underscores the Army’s continuing commitment to bridging healthcare gaps in far-flung border areas. The camp offered comprehensive general health check-ups, dental consultations, ophthalmic screenings, and gynecological advice for women. Community members also benefited from awareness sessions on nutrition and hygiene, with special emphasis on elderly care and maternal health. Officials noted that such outreach programmes are vital for improving access to quality healthcare in isolated…

LEH, October 7 — On the occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps organised a blood donation camp at SNM Hospital in Leh, underscoring its enduring commitment to the welfare of local communities in Ladakh. The initiative reflects the Army’s long-standing tradition of voluntary service, extending beyond defence duties to encompass health, education, and community development in some of the country’s most challenging regions. Blood donation, often described as a gift of life, embodies selflessness and solidarity. The Army’s campaign in Leh not only contributed vital blood supplies to local healthcare facilities…

LEH, October 7: The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps organised the ‘Drone Yodha Competition’ under realistic operational conditions in the high-altitude areas of Ladakh. The event aimed to enhance the operational understanding and tactical application of advanced drone technologies among deployed personnel. Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps, witnessed the competition and commended participants for their exceptional proficiency, precision, and adaptability in drone operations. Officials noted that such exercises are crucial for preparing troops to deploy unmanned aerial systems effectively in reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical missions, particularly in the rugged terrain of Ladakh. The…

DRAS, October 6 — Students of the Army Goodwill School, Dras, marked World Animal Day with a series of creative activities, including poster-making, sketching, and art-and-craft projects. The event encouraged young participants to express their appreciation for the incredible creatures that share our planet, highlighting the importance of protecting wildlife habitats and supporting conservation efforts. Teachers and organisers noted that such activities not only foster artistic expression but also instil a sense of responsibility and empathy towards the environment from an early age. By engaging students in discussions on biodiversity and animal welfare, the school aims to nurture environmentally…

LEH, October 6:  The Fire and Fury Corps organised an Ex-Servicemen Outreach Program for veterans and their dependents from the villages of Nyoma, Nidder, and Mudh. The initiative provided a platform for interaction and discussion on welfare issues, including pensions, medical facilities, and benefit schemes. More than 100 veterans and family members attended the programme, benefiting from direct engagement with officials who addressed their concerns and clarified procedural aspects related to entitlements. Such outreach efforts are part of the Indian Army’s broader commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen, recognising their sacrifices and ensuring continued support for their families. …

LEH, October 6 — Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps, along with all ranks, saluted Lance Naik Gagandeep Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Ladakh on October 4, 2025, following medical complications. The Corps extended deep condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief, paying tribute to his dedication, service, and commitment to the nation. Officials emphasised that the soldier’s sacrifice will continue to inspire fellow troops stationed in the challenging high-altitude frontier regions of Ladakh. | The Dispatch Staff

Jammu, October 5: Ladakh’s tourism industry, which is considered as the economic lifeline of the Union Territory, is facing one of its toughest phases, with tourist arrivals plummeting sharply in 2025 following the recent violence in Leh and the India-Pakistan hostilities during Operation Sindoor earlier this year. According to official data shared by the Directorate of Tourism, Ladakh, with Indus Dispatch, the region has recorded a nearly 50 percent decline in tourist arrivals this year (till August 31) compared to 2023. “As many as 2,69,390 tourists visited Ladakh till August 31 this year, compared to 5,25,374 in 2023 and 3,76,386…

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Centre and Union Territory of Ladakh on a plea filed by Sonam Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J Angmo challenging the climate activist’s detention under the National Security Act, and seeking his immediate release. However, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria refused to pass any order on providing grounds of detention to Wangchuk’s wife and posted the matter for hearing on October 14. Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, two days after protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for…