Author: The Dispatch Staff

LEH, September 23 — A 91-kilometre road connecting Hanle to the border village of Chumar, constructed by Project Himank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has been opened to the public in Ladakh. The route traverses extreme high-altitude terrain, ranging from 14,500 to 17,200 feet, including the challenging Salsa La Pass. Officials noted that the road provides critical strategic connectivity for the Armed Forces along the border while also facilitating local travel and tourism. Key attractions along the route, such as Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake, and onward access to Tso Moriri, are now more accessible…

LEH/KARGIL, September 22: In the serene Aryan Valley, the Indian Army, under Operation Sadbhavana, conducted medical camps in the remote border villages of Hanu Yogma (Leh) on September 14 and Silmo (Kargil) on September 21. The initiative aimed to foster unity, provide essential healthcare, and support national development in these high-altitude frontier areas. A team of medical experts and specialists in dental, ophthalmology, and general medicine attended to a wide range of health concerns, providing consultations, treatments, and guidance. In addition, the camps distributed essential healthcare aids including UV-protective sunglasses, lumbar belts, medicines, walking sticks, wheelchairs, and other life-saving…

DRAS, September 22 — The much-awaited Dras Inter School Quiz Competition 2025 for students of classes 6 to 9 was held at the Army Goodwill School, Dras. The event brought together 32 enthusiastic participants from various schools across the region, showcasing their knowledge, quick thinking, and teamwork. The competition was keenly contested, with Army Goodwill School, Dras, securing the top position, while Hemabase Public School finished a close second. Teachers and organisers praised the students’ enthusiasm, confidence, and the spirit of healthy competition that made the event a success. Officials noted that such competitions not only enhance learning…

LEH, September 21: As part of Operation Sadbhavana, the Indian Army organised a medical camp and basic first aid training session for residents of Bimbat and nearby remote villages in Ladakh. The initiative aimed to provide essential healthcare support and equip community members with life-saving skills. Army Medical Officers conducted comprehensive health check-ups, offering guidance on common ailments, hygiene practices, and preventive care. In addition, participants were trained in basic first aid techniques, enabling them to respond effectively to emergencies in their villages where access to immediate medical facilities can be limited. Officials noted that such programmes strengthen…

Leh: Ending months of uncertainty, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to resume its stalled dialogue with representatives of Ladakh. The crucial meeting is expected to take place on October 6 in New Delhi, sources confirmed. Two developments are understood to have paved the way for the Centre to move forward with the talks—the return of veteran Ladakhi leader Thupstan Chhewang to the Apex Body and the depoliticisation of the platform after recent interventions. Officials believe these factors have created a more conducive atmosphere for dialogue at this sensitive stage. https://youtube.com/shorts/_L3PquYTJeY?feature=share Earlier this month, the Ladakh Buddhist Association…

Leh: The Union Territory of Ladakh on Friday witnessed a major reshuffle in the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) as Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta ordered fresh postings and transfers to streamline governance and strengthen administrative efficiency across Leh and Kargil districts. According to the order, Huma Khan, JKAS, who was awaiting adjustment, has been posted as Deputy Registrar Cooperatives, Leh, with the additional charge of Assistant Director, Handloom, Leh. In Kargil, Ayaz Ahmed has been appointed Tehsildar and will also hold the charge of Deputy Registrar Cooperatives, while the outgoing Tehsildar, Tanveer Ahmad, has been directed to report to…

Leh: Former Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay has cautioned that Ladakh remains at the core of China’s expansionist “five-finger strategy,” under which Tibet is considered the palm and its neighbouring regions — Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh — the fingers. In an interview with ANI, Sangay said Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly pushed the strategy that seeks to extend control beyond Tibet. “Tibet is the palm. You control it firmly, and you go after five fingers — Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. This is China’s expansionist policy,” Sangay remarked. He credited the Indian Army for…

Leh: Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan has appealed to the Union Government to resume talks with Ladakh’s representatives without delay, emphasising that dialogue is the only way forward to address the region’s core demands of statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Speaking in support of the ongoing agitation, Jan said environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk’s 35-day hunger strike and the wider movement are not about personal or political gains but about securing Ladakh’s future. “This is not a fight for an individual or a party, but for the coming generations of Ladakh. Our culture, environment, and fragile demography demand special…

Leh: A major organisational program of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took place yesterday under the leadership of Tarun Chugh, National General Secretary and in charge of Jammu & Kashmir and UT Ladakh. The event was attended by Ashok Kaul, State General Secretary (Org), Tashi Gyaltson Khachu, State President UT Ladakh, and Tashi Gyaltson, CEC LAHDC Leh. Executive members, councillors, BJP state and district office bearers, and leaders from Mahila, Yuva, and Kissan Morchas along with Mandal Presidents and their teams participated in large numbers. During the program, three prominent women leaders joined the BJP and were warmly welcomed by…

Leh: In a significant development,  the Congress Party announced its withdrawal from the Leh Apex Body (Apex) following the recent decision by the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) to bar political parties from  talks on Ladakh’s demands. The resolution, passed unanimously during the CWC’s Saturday meeting, also appointed respected leader Thupstan Chewang to head the Apex body and ensure that the dialogue remains structured and inclusive. The move was backed by LBA President Chering Dorjay Lakrook, Vice President Kunzes Doma, and other committee members. Addressing the media, Congress representatives stated that their decision was made…

Leh: In a significant move, the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has decided that all political parties will abstain from the upcoming talks on Ladakh’s demands. Watch video: https://youtube.com/shorts/7QmxwdLLiL4?feature=share The committee announced that negotiations will be led exclusively by representatives of religious organizations, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the local population remain central. During its Saturday meeting, the CWC also unanimously resolved to request Thupstan Chewang to lead the APEX body overseeing and guiding the discussions. Known for his experience and credibility, Chewang is expected to ensure structured and inclusive…

Kargil: Former Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon has made a heartfelt appeal to Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for the past two days. In a personal statement, Akhoon emphasized that the teachings of all faiths discourage actions that endanger one’s life. He also noted that fundamental human rights principles do not support deliberately putting life at risk. “Guided by moral and humanitarian considerations, I feel compelled to make this appeal,” Akhoon said. He recalled having urged Sonam Wangchuk to reconsider during his previous hunger strike and now once again requested him to refrain from this extreme course…

Leh: In a major crackdown on cross-border smuggling, the Enforcement Directorate (ED)has revealed that over 1,064 kg of gold worth ₹800 crore was illegally brought into India from China across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh over the last two years. The probe, launched after a significant seizure near the border in July 2024, has exposed a well-organized smuggling syndicate operating through intricate logistics and cryptocurrency payments. The July 9, 2024, operation by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) led to the seizure of 108 gold bars, each weighing 1 kg, in Sirigaple, Changthang sub-sector of Ladakh. Two…

Leh: Nubra Valley, with its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and natural heritage, has the potential to become one of India’s premier tourist destinations, said Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh,  Kavinder Gupta, during the first day of his three-day visit to the Nubra sub-division. Addressing a public durbar at the SDM Conference Hall in Disket, LG Kavinder highlighted the UT Administration’s focus on holistic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced tourism facilities to make Nubra a model for sustainable growth. The Lt Governor emphasized initiatives such as the upcoming Phyang–Hunder Transmission Line for uninterrupted power supply, upgrading of roads for better connectivity, opening…

Leh: Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, the leading organization representing the Sunni community in Leh, has recommended Advocate Tashi Gyalson, the  Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), for the prestigious National Communal Harmony Award. The recommendation was formally submitted to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, highlighting Advocate Gyalson’s exemplary role in fostering interfaith harmony, peace, and inclusive development in the region. In the recommendation letter, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam praised Advocate Gyalson’s visionary leadership, which has significantly contributed to the welfare of all communities in Leh-Ladakh, particularly the Sunni population. His governance model, rooted in compassion, inclusiveness, and dialogue,…

Leh: In a heartrending incident, three soldiers, including two Agniveers, lost their lives when an avalanche struck the Siachen base camp in Ladakh on Sunday. The avalanche occurred in the 12,000-feet-high Siachen base camp area, one of the world’s most challenging battlefields, where soldiers face extreme weather conditions and rugged terrain. The soldiers have been identified as Sepoy Mohit Kumar, Agniveer Niraj Kumar Choudhary, and Agniveer Dabhi Rakesh Devabhai. They made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while performing their responsibilities in adverse conditions to safeguard the nation. Upon learning of the tragedy, the General Officer Commanding (GOC),…

Leh: Three soldiers lost their lives when an avalanche struck Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, officials said on Tuesday. The avalanche occurred in the 12,000-feet-high Siachen base camp area on Sunday, trapping three soldiers, including two Agniveers, the officials said. They said a rescue operation was immediately launched and the bodies of the trapped soldiers were retrieved.

Leh: A high-level delegation from Ladakh, led by Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (H’CEC) of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, along with State President Tashi Gyaltson Khachu and State General Secretary Kunzang Namgyal, met Union Home Minister  Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday. The delegation discussed key welfare concerns specific to Ladakh and sought special financial assistance for the restoration of infrastructure, compensation for crop losses, and support for food and fodder shortages caused by recent unprecedented heavy rainfall in the region. On behalf of the people of Ladakh, the leaders also expressed gratitude to the Union Government for the recently…

Leh: A delegation from Ladakh, led by Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson, State President Tashi Gyaltson Khachu, and State General Secretary Kunzang Namgyal, held a meeting with B. L. Santosh, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party, in New Delhi today. During the meeting, the delegation discussed various issues concerning the welfare and development of Ladakh, along with organizational matters affecting the region. The leaders highlighted the need for continued support and collaboration between local and central leadership to address development challenges and ensure progress in key sectors. B. L. Santosh assured the delegation of…

Kargil: The University of Ladakh has announced its 2nd Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to be held on 22nd September 2025 at Kargil. The event will be graced by Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh and Chancellor of the University, who will attend as the Chief Guest. The convocation marks a significant milestone in the University’s academic journey, as it continues to expand higher education opportunities in the Union Territory. During the ceremony, degrees and medals will be awarded to meritorious students from various postgraduate and undergraduate streams in recognition of their academic excellence. Prof. Saket Kushwaha,  Vice-Chancellor…