Author: The Dispatch Staff

Jammu: A woman and her son were killed while her husband was injured after their car hit a roadside parapet wall in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Saturday, officials said. Abdul Kabir Zargar, a retired employee of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, was travelling with his wife Shafiqa Begum and son Asif Kabir to Kishtwar from Jammu when their car met with the accident near Tikri on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the officials said. Shafiqa Begum died on the spot while her 33-year-old son succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Jammu, where Zargar is undergoing treatment and his…

Jammu: A drug peddler, hailing from Punjab, was arrested here with over 40 kg of poppy straw, police said on Saturday. The accused, Gurmeet Singh, was driving an oil tanker when he was stopped by the police during routine checking at Nadal-Manwal along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Friday, a police spokesperson said. The search of the Punjab-bound vehicle led to the recovery of the contraband, hidden under one of the oil chambers, he added. Singh, a resident of Patiala, was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), the spokesperson further said. Further investigation is underway.

Jammu:  The Jammu and Kashmir BJP has welcomed the takeover of over 200 schools affiliated to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in the valley and said the Lt Governor–led administration has secured the future of thousands of students by this action. BJP vice president Priya Sethi said the JeI and its affiliate Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT) misused the sacred platform of education to spread radicalisation instead of knowledge. “By seizing control of these schools, the government has broken this vicious cycle and secured the academic future of thousands of innocent students,” Sethi, who is a former education minister, said in a statement…

Jammu: Five persons, including a woman from Uttar Pradesh, were arrested after police busted an inter-state racket involved in orchestrating fake marriages to extort money from unsuspecting grooms here, officials said on Saturday. So far, five such cases – three from Akhnoor and two from Nagrota – have come to light, a police spokesman said. Terming the arrests, which also included two locals and two outsiders, a “major breakthrough”, he said police registered an FIR on August 11 at the Akhnoor police station after receiving a complaint about a fraudulent marriage. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Dhana Chapri, approached the…

Srinagar:  Jammu and Kashmir Police’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) Saturday arrested an over-ground worker (OGW) who worked as a “sleeper cell” for the terrorist organisation Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM). “Following relentless efforts, SIA Kashmir has achieved a major success by apprehending an OGW, Altaf Hussain Wagay, resident of Reban Gund area of Behram in Shopian. The OGW worked as a sleeper cell for the terrorist organisation Hizb-ul-Mujahideen,” a SIA spokesperson said. He said the arrest was made as a part of the ongoing investigation into a case. “During the investigation, SIA Kashmir has adduced evidence which establishes the connection of the arrested…

Srinagar:  Teams of officials accompanied by police visited schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) across the 10 districts of Kashmir as the J-K government on Saturday took over their management. According to officials, the entire process was conducted “peacefully and smoothly”, without disturbing the education of the students. The School Education Department had on Friday ordered the takeover of 215 schools affiliated with JeI and its Falah-e-Aam Trust, where over 51,000 students are enrolled, in order to “safeguard their academic future”. On Saturday morning, officials of district administrations, principals of the respective nearest high and higher secondary schools, accompanied…

Jammu: Eight shops, two residential houses and a temple were looted by unidentified burglars in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, officials said on Saturday. The incident occurred during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday at Maitra Chowk, sparking protest by the locals who demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and necessary measures to secure the area, they said. The burgled shops include two general stores, a shoe store, a hardware store, a workshop, and a garment store, the officials said, adding that both the houses targeted by the thieves were closed for the past few days.

Srinagar:  Political parties in Kashmir on Saturday reacted sharply to the J&K government’s takeover of the management of the 215 schools affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). Peoples’ Conference chief and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone said, “Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government.” “215 schools forcibly taken over by the J and K Government. And no prizes for guessing. The elected government has passed the order. Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government. “They are setting new standards in servility. And just to recall the sermons the edicts that this party passed against their…

Leh: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened recruitment for 40 permanent Lecturer posts in Ladakh, giving local aspirants a direct chance to secure teaching positions under the Union Territory’s autonomous cadre. https://youtube.com/shorts/az2l_9l4NbY?feature=share According to officials, the vacancies will be filled across different subjects, strengthening higher education institutions in the region. The recruitment is part of the cadre-building process initiated after Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019. Applications can be submitted online through the UPSC portal till September 11, 11:59 PM, while candidates can print their applications till September 12. Officials said the recruitment drive will not only…

Leh: The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has cancelled over 1,000 kanals of land allotted to climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). https://youtube.com/shorts/mNLcVOrOWxk?feature=share An official order issued by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, on August 21 revoked the allotment of 1,076 kanals and 1 marla at Phyang village, citing non-utilisation of land as per lease conditions. Officials said the land, originally sanctioned in 2018 for 40 years, had lapsed in 2019 under the rules. Ladakh Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal clarified that the decision was “purely administrative and procedural” and not…

Leh: Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh, was called on by a delegation of executive members from the Muslim religious community to discuss the establishment of facilities to support Haj pilgrims in Ladakh. The delegation was led by Haji Nazir Ahmed, a member of the Haj Committee, and included Haji Shamsher Ali, Executive Member of Anjuman Noorbaksh; Anayat Ali, Naib Imam of Jama Masjid Leh; and Amjad Hussain Zubdavi, former member of Anjuman Imamia Leh. During the meeting, the delegation expressed their gratitude for the recent establishment of the Haj Committee in Ladakh following the region’s elevation to Union…

Leh: Over 1,500 veterans, war heroes and Veer Naris from across Ladakh attended a Veterans Rally and Pension Adalat organised by Leh Sub Area on behalf of Fire and Fury Corps. The event was inaugurated by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps, at Rinchen Auditorium. Senior military and civilian dignitaries also joined the gathering. As a mark of respect, gallantry award winners and Veer Naris were felicitated. Awareness stalls were set up to provide information on Army, Central Government and UT Ladakh welfare schemes. Veterans registered grievances with officials from PCDA, DPDO, SPARSH and AWPO,…

Leh: Director General of CRPF, Shri G.P. Singh, held a high-level meeting in Leh with Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal and DGP Ladakh S.D. Singh Jamwal to review the security situation and strengthen coordination at high altitude. The discussions focused on enhancing synergy between CRPF and Ladakh Police to deal with operational challenges and ensure preparedness across the Union Territory. Later, the CRPF chief visited the 79 Battalion, where he addressed a Sainik Sammelan, interacting with personnel on operational, administrative and welfare issues, and assured continued support from the force headquarters.

Leh: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has sanctioned highway projects worth nearly ₹28,000 crore in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh over the last four years, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has informed Parliament. In Jammu & Kashmir, 43 highway development and upgradation projects covering 653 km have been approved since 2021-22. These include 15 projects in 2021-22 alone, costing ₹14,235 crore, followed by another 15 in 2022-23 worth ₹9,538 crore. In 2023-24, 8 projects covering 179 km were cleared at a cost of ₹2,774 crore. So far this year, 5 more projects worth ₹1,262 crore have been…

Kargil: Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil has celebrated a double achievement with two of its members receiving prestigious Director General NCC honours. Lt. Dr. Ujwala Koche, College Director of Physical Education & Sports and Associate NCC Officer of 2 Ladakh Battalion NCC, was awarded the DG NCC Plaque for her outstanding contributions. She has earned recognition for securing Alpha grading with excellence in firing during a Refresher Course, mentoring cadets for the Mount Everest Expedition and Youth Exchange Programme, and introducing NCC as a minor course at the University of Ladakh. Adding to the pride, Cadet Zulikha Banoo received the…

Kargil: The Regional Passport Office Srinagar will operate a Mobile Passport Van in Kargil from August 25 to 29, bringing passport services closer to residents of the district and nearby areas. The van will be stationed at the National Information Centre, VC Hall New Building near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Kargil. Applicants can book appointments through the official website www.passportindia.gov.in

New Delhi: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, met Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi to push for sports development in the district. Dr. Akhoon requested the establishment of a Winter Sports Academy in Kargil, citing its natural advantage for snow sports. The Union Minister assured that the academy will be set up to tap local talent and provide professional training. The CEC also sought special funds for sports infrastructure, formation of a Sports Council, and greater support for athletes representing Kargil at national…

Kargil: Vice Principal and Associate NCC Officer of Government M.L. Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Kargil, Lt. Dr. Mohmad Hussain, has been honoured with the Director General NCC’s Commendation Card. The award was presented by Lt. Gen. Gurbir Pal Singh, Director General of the National Cadet Corps. Dr. Hussain becomes the first Associate NCC Officer from Ladakh’s Senior Division to receive this recognition, a milestone for both the school and the region. Cadets of the school hailed his achievement, describing him as a mentor who inspires them to uphold the values of discipline, service, and commitment. They credited him for combining…

Leh: In a major step towards blending technology with military training, the Fire and Fury Corps has adopted an advanced Virtual Reality (VR) simulation system to sharpen the skills of its Observation Post Officers. The new immersive training module focuses on improving tactical decision-making in complex and dynamic combat scenarios. By recreating battlefield situations in a virtual environment, the system allows officers to practice precision, coordination and quick response without the limitations of traditional field exercises. Officials said the innovation provides real-time feedback, enabling trainees to immediately assess and refine their decisions. This not only enhances operational proficiency but also…

Leh: Political activist Sajjad Kargili has welcomed Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta’s strong advocacy for operationalising air services from Kargil, calling it a major boost to a long-pending demand of the region. He said the move has revived hope that the people of Kargil will finally get the civilian air connectivity they have been waiting for over two decades. Reacting to the LG’s meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi, Sajjad noted that although Kargil airport had been announced twice under the Centre’s RCS–UDAN scheme, no commercial flight has landed there so far. Thank you Hon’ble…