Author: The Dispatch Staff

Jammu: Rooted in the spirit of equitable access to world-class healthcare, the AIIMS stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening regional medical infrastructure by treating over 2.6 lakh patients in outpatient departments during its first year of operation, officials on Friday said. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the first such institution established in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a powerful national benchmark with the completion of its 43 buildings in a record time of three and a half years despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they said. “In…

Srinagar: The chairman of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday took a conciliatory note, appealing to the Centre to close the “dil ki doori” (gap between hearts) with Jammu and Kashmir by talking to them and stating that the problems of the state cannot be solved through violence. Speaking before a Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid, the Mirwaiz also welcomed the collective response of the three Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kashmir during a recent parliamentary debate. “There was a discussion on the India-Pakistan war in Parliament following the barbaric Pahalgam attack,” the Mirwaiz said,…

Jammu:  BJP national general secretary and party in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, Tarun Chugh, on Thursday attacked the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government, accusing it of failing to deliver on its election promises and misleading the public with diversionary narratives. Chugh said nearly 10 months have passed since the NC government came into power, but none of the commitments made in their manifesto have been fulfilled. “People voted with hope, but what they have received is sheer disappointment. Be it employment for youth or infrastructure development, everything has remained limited to speeches with no ground-level implementation,” he told reporters here.…

Rajouri/Jammu: Police on Thursday booked four individuals, including a government teacher, for allegedly fabricating a false narrative of police torture and spreading misinformation through social media in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said. The case pertains to a photograph that recently went viral, showing a man — identified as Mohammad Arif of Gundi in Khawas — with what appeared to be blood on his chin and around his mouth. It was claimed that he had been brutally beaten at the Khawas police post in Rajouri, resulting in serious injuries and the breaking of three teeth, they said. Taking the…

Kargil : Government Degree College (GDC) Drass has launched Mission Clean Indus 2025, a 15-day campaign to raise awareness and mobilize action for keeping the Indus River free from pollution. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the local administration and various government departments. The launch event featured a student-led talk by Noman Raza on the ecological and economic significance of the Indus, followed by a pledge administered by Shaban Parveen to protect and conserve the river. Students and staff participated actively in the programme. Coordinated by Sajad Hussain, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & NCC/NSS Officer, under…

Kargil: In a firm move to uphold tobacco control laws, the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Kargil today destroyed a consignment of seized tobacco products at its office in the Old District Hospital premises. The action was carried out at 11:30 AM under the supervision of Dr. Fatima Nissa, District Nodal Officer (NTCP), and Mr. Masood Ahmad, District Consultant (NTCP). Officials from multiple departments participated, including Chief Food Inspector Anayatullah, Drug Inspector Mumtaz Ahmad, Tax Collector Rayeez Ahmad (Municipal Committee Kargil), Sub-Inspector Maqbool Ahmad (Sales & Tax Department), and a representative from SHO Kargil. The destroyed products were confiscated during…

Kargil: In a breakthrough moment for Ladakh’s horticulture, the first large-scale air shipment of premium fresh apricots from Kargil took off for Mumbai today, flagged off by CEC LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon. Organized by Halman Apricot, the exclusive consignment—over 10 tons—was handpicked from Kargil’s most celebrated orchards in Batalik, Gargardo, Chulichan, Gongma Kargil, Baroo, and Gongma Minji. Transported by air, the fruit will reach metropolitan markets at peak freshness, a game-changing move that promises farmers higher earnings and nationwide recognition for Kargil’s produce. “This is not just a shipment—it’s the start of Kargil’s direct entry into India’s premium…

Leh: In a day packed with interactions, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson met with multiple delegations, including student bodies, a charitable trust, and a young academic achiever, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to youth empowerment, education, and community welfare. The CEC first met representatives of the All Ladakh Students’ Association Jammu (ALSAJ), led by Vice President Stanzin Gaychet, who thanked him for LAHDC’s consistent support to Ladakhi students studying outside the region. They also raised admission-related challenges in Jammu & Kashmir, to which the CEC assured follow-up with the concerned authorities. He was also called upon by the…

Leh: Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, was accorded a warm welcome with the traditional Khathak during his official visit to the Nubra Sub-Division today. He was received by SDM Nubra, Mukul Beniwal (IAS), Tehsildar Diskit Nubra, Tufail Iqbal (KAS), Executive Engineer R&B PWD Nubra Sub-Division, and Naib Tehsildar Khatod Khalsar. The visit focused on reviewing ongoing administrative works, inspecting engineering projects, and enhancing coordination among local departments for effective governance in the region.

Leh: A large human chain was formed in Leh today as people from across communities gathered to demand postponement of the upcoming LAHDC Leh elections until issues of delimitation and inclusiveness are addressed. Participants said the demonstration was a peaceful reminder to the government that the existing Hill Council structure, framed 25 years ago, no longer matches the new realities of Ladakh as a Union Territory. Community leaders argued that constituencies are unevenly represented, pointing out that Lower Leh with nearly 12,000 voters has only one councillor, while other regions with similar population figures have multiple representatives. They called for…

Leh: Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, chaired a meeting in Leh to review progress on deregulation and compliance reduction initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business across the Union Territory. The review covered suggestions from the Task Force across eight priority areas, including flexible zoning for mixed-use development, amendments in building regulations to facilitate industrial growth, greater reliance on empanelled third parties for approvals and inspections, streamlined factory and trade license processes, and faster utility connections through a fully online system. Dr. Kotwal stressed that Ladakh must set new benchmarks by minimizing compliance hurdles in housing,…

Leh: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, chaired a review meeting at the Council Secretariat to take stock of preparations for the upcoming celebration of “Ladakh Rpal Ngam Duston 2025”, scheduled for August 5 to mark UT Ladakh Declaration Day. The meeting was attended by ADDC Leh Sonam Nurboo, Chief Controller of Finance Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Deputy Secretary Culture Tsewang Paljor, Padma Shri awardee Morup Namgyal, LTO Director Mipham Othsal, Sonam Stobgais from the National School of Drama, and other officials. The CEC reviewed the day-long programme, beginning with a cultural procession from the historic…

Kargil: Director of Social & Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Tashi Dolma (JKAS), chaired a review meeting at the Conference Hall, Baroo, Kargil, to assess the implementation and progress of the Mission Vatsalya Scheme. The meeting focused on evaluating child welfare initiatives and identifying strategies for improved delivery of services. District Child Protection Officer, Samina Khatoon (JKAS), gave a detailed presentation on child welfare schemes, sponsorship programs, support for children in need of care and protection, interventions for children in conflict with law, and financial components managed by the District Child Protection Unit. Director Dolma emphasized the need for regular…

Leh: Glitters Forever HK Services Pvt. Ltd., on behalf of the District Social Welfare Office Leh, has announced several job vacancies for the Old Age Home at Saboo Thang, Leh. The recruitment will be on an outsource basis and only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview. The available posts include Doctor (part-time), Superintendent, Social Worker/Counsellor, Yoga Therapist, Nurse, Cook, and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS). Salaries range from ₹5,000 to ₹16,500 depending on the position. Applicants must email their updated CVs to [email protected] by or before 3rd August 2025, 4:00 PM. Candidates must mention personal details, qualifications, and relevant experience in…

Leh: In recent months, noted innovator and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk found himself at the centre of a storm after certain media outlets labelled him “anti-national” and linked him to Pakistan and China.  The allegations surfaced in the backdrop of his visit to Islamabad in February this year, where he attended a United Nations–supported conference on environment and climate change. Several media reports questioned Wangchuk’s participation in the event, suggesting that his presence raised doubts over his nationalist credentials. Some reports even alleged that his activism in Ladakh was backed by foreign powers. Reacting to what he described as “baseless and…

Kargil: In a significant public outreach, the Cyber Police Unit Kargil on Thursday handed over 21 recovered mobile phones to their rightful owners after tracing and retrieving them over the past two months. The distribution event was held in the presence of SSP Kargil Shri Ram (IPS), Additional SP Kargil Nitin Yadav (IPS), DSP Headquarters Inayat Ullah, DSP Mohammad Ali, and other police officials. https://youtube.com/shorts/7okMIi2uLLw?feature=share Speaking on the occasion, officials said that the initiative was launched on the directions of DIG Vikas Kumar, who had asked the district police to expedite recovery and return of lost or stolen phones. Under…

Leh: As part of the Plastic Free July campaign, a Paper Bag Making Workshop was organised for children of Muth Village, aimed at spreading awareness about reducing plastic use and adopting eco-friendly alternatives. During the workshop, children were taught how to create durable and reusable paper bags. The hands-on activity not only promoted the idea of replacing plastic with sustainable options but also encouraged children to adopt environmentally conscious habits from an early age. Organisers said such initiatives are vital in building awareness among the younger generation about the importance of protecting the environment under the theme “Save Environment –…

Leh: A two-week Army Attachment cum Training Camp for NCC male cadets of Ladakh concluded at Phyangon Friday. The camp, held from July 21 to August 1, 2025, was organised by FORCE IBEX Battalion under the aegis of the Fire and Fury Corps. Cadets from 1 Ladakh Battalion NCC, Leh and 2 Ladakh Battalion NCC, Kargil participated in the camp, where they were trained in drill, weapon handling, map reading, physical fitness, and hygiene. Throughout the programme, the cadets displayed discipline, patriotism, endurance, and commitment, reflecting the true spirit of the NCC.

Leh : In a landmark relief, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has reinstated Tashi Namgail, a teacher from Ladakh, nearly three decades after his services were terminated.  The order, delivered by the CAT’s Jammu Bench at its Leh Circuit, ends a 28-year-long legal struggle. Namgail, appointed as a teacher in 1987, had taken a month’s leave in 1996. Soon after, his services were abruptly terminated on grounds of unauthorized absence.  Challenging this, he approached the Jammu and Kashmir High Court in 2011, which directed that a proper inquiry be conducted. A three-member committee led by the Joint Director of Education…

Leh: At 14,000 feet above sea level in Ladakh, two young scientists have begun living in complete isolation to simulate what life might be like on the Moon or Mars. The 10-day analogue space mission kicked off on Friday at Tso Kar, inside a special research base called the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE). The project is being conducted by Isro’s Human Space Flight Centre in collaboration with Bengaluru-based firm Protoplanet, which set up the HOPE station. It was inaugurated on Thursday by Isro chairman V Narayanan. The mission crew includes Rahul Mogalapalli, a PhD researcher at Purdue University,…