Author: The Dispatch Staff

New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik died on Tuesday at a hospital here after a prolonged illness, his personal staff said. He was 79. Malik, who had also held the positions of governor of Goa, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Odisha, besides being a member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in his long political career, died at 1.12 pm at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital here. He was in the ICU of the hospital for a long time, getting treatment for various ailments, the staff said. “It is with deep regret that we confirm the demise of…

Kargil : The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, began its fourth Circuit Sitting in Kargil today at the Tourist Facilitation Centre, Baroo. The Bench, comprising Judicial Member D.S. Mahra and Administrative Member Prashant Kumar, aims to provide Ladakh’s government employees and pensioners with easier access to justice in service-related matters. A total of 22 cases were listed on the opening day. Hearings are being held in hybrid mode—both physical and virtual—allowing participation even from remote areas. The sitting will continue until August 7. The initiative reflects a continued push to bring judicial services closer to citizens in remote and…

Srinagar:  Anshul Garg, a 2013-batch IAS officer, was on Tuesday appointed as the divisional commissioner of Kashmir as the government carried out a reshuffle in the administration. Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, is transferred and posted as divisional commissioner, Kashmir, an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), said. The current divisional commissioner, V K Bhiduri, was transferred by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to Delhi on May 16 this year. Ten IAS officers and four JKAS officers were on Tuesday transferred on the orders of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Six districts of…

Jammu:  Congress, National Conference, and PDP workers on Tuesday hit the streets here, demanding the restoration of the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The protests were held on the sixth anniversary of the revocation of the erstwhile state’s special status under Article 370, and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. The three parties, along with Jammu-based All Parties United Morcha (APUM) – a group of various social and political parties -, observed August 5 as a “black day” in a denunciation of the downgrading of the state in 2019. Pradesh Congress Committee working president Raman Bhalla, along with former minister…

Srinagar: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said August 5 marks “a black day” for the entire nation, and the abrogation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was the “beginning of a broader assault” on constitutional values of the country. The PDP also claimed that its president, along with party workers, was barred from stepping out of the party office to take out a protest against the “unilateral and unconstitutional” abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. “August 5 marks a black day not just for Jammu & Kashmir, but for the entire nation. On…

Srinagar:  Police on Tuesday foiled a protest march by the ruling National Conference (NC) here against the Centre’s August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 and divide the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. Led by NC Kashmir president Showkat Ahmad Mir, MLAs and senior leaders assembled at the party headquarters Nawa-i-Subah here and raised slogans against the Centre’s decision taken on August 5, 2019, and called for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Raising slogans like “August 5, 2019, decisions are not acceptable”, “Black laws are not acceptable” and “Restore Articles 370 and…

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated two major agricultural infrastructure projects here, asserting that gradual and lasting transformation would come through inclusive and balanced regional development. At the Jammu and Kashmir Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd Complex in Talab Tillo, Abdullah commissioned a 5,145-MT cold storage facility built with NABARD assistance. The facility features 21 cold chambers and four scientific ripening chambers with automated temperature and humidity controls, Freon-based refrigeration and solar-powered backup. Later, at the Narwal Fruit Mandi, Abdullah inaugurated four new post-harvest and value-addition units to strengthen Jammu’s agri-value chain. These include a…

Leh: Marking six years since Ladakh became a Union Territory, Independent MP from the region, Mohmad Haneefa, has highlighted significant infrastructure development in the region over the last five years. In an interview with news agency, MP Haneefa acknowledged the steady progress in roads and border infrastructure, thanking Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their support in strengthening Ladakh’s strategic and civilian connectivity. “Ladakh has witnessed improvement in infrastructure, especially along the borders, which has been critical for both development and security,” said Haneefa. He appreciated the central government’s efforts in enhancing connectivity and facilities…

Leh: In a unique move to boost mobility in Ladakh’s challenging terrain, the Indian Army has officially inducted Bactrian camels—sturdy, double-humped animals native to the region—for patrolling and carrying supplies to remote high-altitude posts. These camels, known for their strength and endurance in harsh climates, were trained and handed over by the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh. A total of 14 camels as reported by Daily Excelsior , along with their health records and training manuals, have been given to the Army’s 14 Corps. While roads in Ladakh have seen significant development, the final stretch to many…

Leh : Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, met multiple delegations at the LG Secretariat in Leh, pledging inclusive and sustainable development for the Union Territory. Chairman/CEC LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, along with Leh’s four district presidents — Tsering Sandup (Nubra), Ishey Spalzang (Changthang), Stanzin Chosphel (Leh), and Kochok Ishey (Sham) — raised key issues including concerns over the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, the Phyang-Nubra Transmission Line, and salary hikes for Army porters at Siachen Glacier. Ven Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, and former MLA Tsering Samphel invited the LG to the International Peace Conference in Leh from…

Leh: The Directorate of School Education, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), launched a three-day capacity building programme for government school teachers. Designed and delivered by CBSE’s Training Unit, the programme focuses on inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, digital skills, and competency-based assessment aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh, IAS, inaugurated the session and stressed the need for in-house capacity building across subjects and grades. He urged educators to address learning gaps and make the most of the training opportunity. Secretary School Education UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha, highlighted the need…

Kargil: CEC LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, met a delegation from Nanritam, an educational NGO working under its “Education for All” initiative to improve learning outcomes. Executive Councillor for Education Kacho Mohd Feroz also attended the meeting. The delegation, led by General Secretary Ranjana Sengupta and Joint Secretary Sarada Namhata, shared details of their work in Leh and Kargil, including teacher training on NEP 2020 and the Holistic Progress Report Card. Their programmes focus on competency-based, child-centered education, promoting foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades, and using interactive methods for teaching science and math. They also provide health…

Kargil: A delegation of Kargili residents from Khomeini Chowk Srinagar, led by Sheikh Issa Waizi, met CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon to discuss issues faced by the community in the area. The CEC assured that their concerns would be addressed in a phased manner and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to extending all possible support.

Kargil, August 3: A preparatory meeting for the 2nd Convocation of the University of Ladakh was held at the Tourist Facilitation Centre, Bemathang, chaired by CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon along with Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha. Scheduled for September 5, 2025, the convocation will be a key milestone for the university. The meeting reviewed logistical, administrative, and ceremonial arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Dr Akhoon assured full cooperation from LAHDC Kargil and stressed the importance of celebrating academic excellence and empowering Ladakh’s youth. Prof Kushwaha thanked the CEC for his support and expressed confidence…

Kargil: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil organised a live webcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Varanasi to mark the release of the 20th installment under the PM-KISAN scheme. The event, attended by farmers, scientists, and KVK officials, featured interactive demonstrations and awareness sessions on sustainable farming, climate-resilient cropping, and value addition to local produce. Farmers were also briefed on complementary schemes like Soil Health Cards, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and agri-startups. Councillor Kacho Liyaqat Ali, who attended as chief guest, praised the government’s efforts to uplift rural livelihoods and lauded KVK Kargil for its role in farmer…

Drass: Government Degree College Drass, in collaboration with the Health Department under the National Tobacco Control Programme, organised an awareness programme on tobacco abuse and creating tobacco-free educational institutions. Masood Ahmad, District Consultant NTCP Kargil, delivered a presentation on the harmful effects of tobacco and screened a video on its impact on human health. Zarina Batool, Psychologist NYCP, spoke on the concept of Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions and stressed the need to appoint Tobacco Monitors in colleges to ensure compliance with anti-tobacco norms. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Assistant Professor Parveen Fatima and was coordinated by Assistant…

Kargil: Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil Rakesh Kumar chaired a meeting with the UPSC Exam Controller to review preparations for the upcoming UPSC examination. It was informed that Government Degree College Kargil will serve as the only exam centre in the district. The DC stressed comprehensive security and logistical measures, including deployment of mobile magistrates, a material magistrate for handling exam papers, and adequate police security. He directed installation of CCTV surveillance, proper briefing of invigilators, frisking of candidates, and deployment of jammers to prevent unfair practices. All departments were instructed to ensure smooth and fair conduct of the…

Leh: BJP Ladakh has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Naib Subedar Chhering Mutup, Ashoka Chakra awardee and a valiant son of Ladakh. The party said his unparalleled bravery will continue to inspire generations and prayed for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

Leh: In a swift operation coordinated under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, road accident patient Sonam Namgail was airlifted from SNM Hospital Leh to Delhi in an Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft for emergency medical treatment. CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his prompt intervention, which made the high-priority evacuation possible in record time. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force Station Leh, Joint Secretary Ladakh Affairs Prashant Lokhande, Secretary Civil Aviation UT Ladakh Franklin, and DC Leh Romil Singh Donk for their quick coordination. Appreciation…

Leh: CEC LAHDC Leh Tashi Gyalson met representatives of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA) and All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA) to discuss tourism-related concerns. The meeting addressed the ITB Berlin tourism promotion initiative, with stakeholders seeking early intervention to support ongoing efforts. They also raised the issue of industrial electricity tariffs being applied to hotels and guest houses, requesting a suitable resolution. Discussions covered drone usage for tourism activities, with the CEC assuring that the matter is being taken up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Home Affairs to allow limited…