Author: The Dispatch Staff

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…

Leh: The Government of India is rolling out a series of satellite-based initiatives to strengthen communication, disaster management, and resource monitoring in Ladakh, acknowledging the region’s strategic and ecological significance. According to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Personnel, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is developing multiple satellites such as Resourcesat-3 and 3A, Resourcesat-3S and 3SA, HRSAT, G20 Satellite, and TRISHNA, which are scheduled for launch between 2027 and 2028. These upcoming projects are expected to enhance remote sensing observations and deliver critical data for Ladakh alongside the rest of the country. Currently, several Indian satellites including the…

Leh: Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, said flagship schemes must ensure that eligible beneficiaries derive maximum benefit, while stressing the need for a robust monitoring mechanism to achieve intended outcomes. Chairing a review meeting in Leh, Dr. Kotwal assessed the implementation of Government of India’s flagship programmes and priority areas in the Union Territory. The discussions covered Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban and Rural), PMSVANidhi, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, AMRUT 2.0, Samagra Shiksha, Ayushman Bharat schemes, National Health Mission, POSHAN 2.0, Smart Metering rollout, PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada…

Leh: A Mega Veterans Rally along with a Pension Adalat is set to take place on 22 August 2025 at Rinchen Auditorium, Leh. The event aims to address the grievances and concerns of military veterans and their families in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Officials from key departments, including Records LSRC, PAO, PCDA, SPARSH, ECHS, AWPO, DIAV, and DRZ, will be present to provide on-the-spot assistance and guidance to veterans, Veer Maatas, Veer Naris, and their dependents. The administration has urged all veterans and their families to participate in the rally and avail themselves of the services and benefits offered…

Leh: The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh has invited public comments on a new framework for granting approvals and permissions for construction, re-construction, and alteration of residential and commercial buildings in rural areas. The draft notification has been uploaded on the official websites of the UT Administration and district administrations of Leh and Kargil. Stakeholders and residents have 21 days to submit their suggestions and observations to the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department before the rules are finalized. The order, issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, designates committees at different levels as competent authorities…