Author: The Dispatch Staff

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed students and faculty at the Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect program held at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, calling upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to be the torchbearers of peace, progress, and prosperity. The event, part of the nationwide Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect initiative launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to bridge the gap between young citizens and policymakers, promoting structured youth engagement in India’s development journey. “Youth will create a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir and ensure long-lasting peace and…

Jammu: Democratic Progressive Azad Party chairperson Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday expressed his firm belief that statehood would be restored in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the sooner it is done, the better it would be. He asserted that statehood is an absolute necessity for the development and progress of the region. Azad also played down speculation about him being nominated for the Vice-President’s post and asked the media and people to stop resorting to such rumours. “I am thankful to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for promising that statehood will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir.…

JAMMU, Jul 24: Border Security Force (BSF) troopers on Thursday continued a search operation along the international border (IB) after suspected infiltration in the R.S. Pura sector of Jammu district. BSF officials said the operation began late on Wednesday night and continued through the early hours of Thursday. Troopers carried out coordinated searches in the forward villages, agricultural fields, and dense vegetation near the border fence. “An infiltration alert was also issued across the R.S. Pura and Arnia sectors, prompting night patrolling and intensified surveillance measures. Additional personnel, dog squads and thermal imaging equipment to monitor any movement across the…

Leh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has approved the promotion and appointment of Sh. Khadim Hussain as Deputy Director in the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Union Territory of Ladakh. The appointment was made following the recommendations of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) held on April 7, 2025, and duly approved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) via letter dated April 15, 2025. Sh. Khadim Hussain has been appointed to the Group ‘A’ Gazetted post on a regular basis in Pay Level 11 (₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700) of the Pay Matrix. His promotion is effective from April 7, 2025,…

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has authorized the CRPF to conduct periodic field firing practice at the 100 Meter Baffle Firing Range located at Group Centre CRPF Lethpora (RTC Srinagar) in Pulwama district. The approval, granted under the Manoeuvres, Field Firing and Artillery Practice Act, 1938, will remain valid for 10 years from the date of issuance of the notification, subject to strict compliance with all legal provisions.

Kargil: In a significant step toward improving urban infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, chaired a high-level meeting to review the proposed ₹98-crore Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) project near the old taxi stand in Kargil town. The review meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Executive Councillor Kacho Mohammad Feroz, Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, Executive Engineer R&B, Executive Officer Municipal Committee, and representatives from GPS Green Building Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi — the project’s consultancy firm. During the…

Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today inaugurated a book titled “Big County Little Business” authored by Shri Santosh Choubey, Chairman of the AISECT Group. The event also marked a key discussion on skill development in the region. A delegation from AISECT including Mudasir Kar (Zonal Head North), Abid Hussain (State Coordinator J&K and Ladakh), and Daljeet Singh (State Coordinator Jammu) briefed Dr. Akhoon about their ongoing work in Ladakh under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The team highlighted AISECT’s role in delivering skill-oriented training programs…

Leh: As part of the ongoing Month of Compassion campaign, the Sheep Husbandry Department carried out a significant Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive in Khardong village, successfully administering vaccines to over 350 animals. The initiative aimed to safeguard the health of livestock in the region, a critical component of the local economy and livelihood. Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals, making such preventive efforts vital. Simultaneously, the Block Office Leh conducted a complementary health camp under the aegis of FAC Changspa, which also included FMD vaccinations. These parallel efforts reinforce…

Leh: In a bid to further strengthen the party’s organizational structure across the Union Territory, the BJP Ladakh unit held a crucial meeting under the leadership of UT President Tashi Gyaltson Khachu. The meeting witnessed the presence of senior party leaders, including State Vice Presidents Gyal P. Wangyal Nawang Samstan, and Dorjay Angchuk, along with State General Secretary PT Kunzang, and District Presidents Stanzin Chosphel, Ishey Spalzang, and Konchok Stak. Addressing the gathering, Tashi Gyaltson directed all District Presidents to expedite the formation of their respective executive and Mandal teams, and submit the final lists by Saturday, July 26, 2025.…

Leh: Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, was called on by Tsultim Dorjey, President and Director of the Tibetan Cancer Society, accompanied by his team members. The delegation extended heartfelt thanks to the CEC for the vital support extended by the Hill Council, which contributed to the successful organization of a series of health camps across remote regions of Ladakh. These camps focused on early detection and awareness of H. pylori-related illnesses, receiving encouraging participation from local communities. In addition to healthcare efforts, the Society also shared its upcoming outreach plans, including the distribution of sweaters to…

Leh: In a significant move to safeguard and promote Ladakh’s unique Geographical Indication (GI) products, particularly Pashmina, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, convened a meeting with officials from GI Tagged and the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC). The meeting focused on the implementation of GI tagging for Ladakh Pashmina and protecting the rights of local breeders. During the discussion, officials emphasized the importance of spreading awareness among stakeholders and proposed organizing a GI awareness programme and camp in Nyoma on August 25. The initiative will aim to educate local communities about the significance of GI certification,…

Kargil: In a heartfelt initiative ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025, Major General Ashim Kohli (Retd), a decorated Army veteran and Founder of SEWAJ Foundation, interacted with students of PM Shri Government High School, Thasgam in Drass. His visit aimed to inspire the young minds of Ladakh and honor the legacy of India’s brave soldiers. As part of SEWAJ Foundation’s educational outreach, school bags were distributed to students during a special event held at the iconic Kargil War Memorial. The gesture symbolized a blend of remembrance and hope—honoring the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War while investing in the future…

Leh: In a significant move to improve healthcare support for patients from Ladakh, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, has appointed Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat as the Nodal Officer for Ladakh patients. Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Professor in the Department of General Medicine, will now serve as the key coordinator to facilitate and streamline medical services for patients from the Union Territory of Ladakh. The appointment, as per an official order issued by the Director of SKIMS, is aimed at ensuring “efficient coordination and facilitation of healthcare services” for Ladakhi patients seeking treatment at the hospital. According to…

Jammu: Security personnel on Wednesday recovered a smartphone from an undertrail prisoner in the central jail on the outskirts of Jammu city, officials said. According to officials, based on a tip-off a search was conducted leading to the recovery of the phone in the the jail in Kot Bhalwal area. Police seized the device and a case has been registered at the Gharota police station. The device has been sent to a forensic laboratory and an investigation has been launched into how the smartphone reached the undertrial in such a high-security prison, which is guarded by three-tier security by Central…

Srinagar:  The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has authorised the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to issue certificate of origin through online trade connect portal, according to a statement on Wednesday. The move will enable exporters from the Union Territory to access the crucial document locally, it said. The KCCI has been formally authorised by the DGFT, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to issue the certificate of origin (non-preferential) through the online trade connect portal, a statement from the chamber said. A certificate of origin is an essential document required by customs authorities in importing countries…

Jammu:  The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Wednesday reviewed the security environment and ongoing counter-terrorist operations in the Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts of Jammu region. Several operations by joint teams of the Army, police, and paramilitary forces are underway in the three districts to track down terrorists operating in the region for over a month. “Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander, reviewed the security milieu and ongoing counter-terrorist operations in the Doda-Ramban-Kishtwar region by the formation,” Northern Command Headquarters said in a post on X. Accompanied by General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps,…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today and briefed her on the current administrative developments and key priorities in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The meeting underscored the Centre’s continued focus on inclusive growth, strategic infrastructure, and welfare programs in the region. During his visit to the national capital, the Lt Governor also held discussions with Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Mohd Haneefa Jan. Their dialogue focused on the overall development agenda for Ladakh, with emphasis on connectivity, youth empowerment, and public services. Additionally, social activist from Kargil, Shri Sajjad Kargili, called…

Zanskar: Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, conducted a comprehensive review meeting in Zanskar to assess the status of ongoing developmental works and educational performance across the region. The review meeting, held with Block Development Officers (BDOs) of Zanskar Division, focused on the implementation and progress of schemes including the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CCDA), District CAPEX, MGNREGA, and other state sector initiatives. DC Rakesh Kumar directed the officers to submit a complete inventory of works, detailing scheme-wise categorization, current status, and timelines for completion. He also examined the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission…

Kargil:  Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, inaugurated a three-day Total Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery Camp at the Baqirya Health Care and Research Center (BHC&RC) in collaboration with the Department of Health, LAHDC Kargil. The camp, running from July 22 to 25, aims to provide specialised orthopaedic surgeries to patients in the region, particularly those unable to afford treatment outside Ladakh. The event witnessed the presence of Chief Medical Officer Kargil, the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Atique Vasudev, Director of the Knee Division at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, and Sheikh Mohammad Sadiq…

Leh: In a decisive move to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain public order, District Magistrate of Leh, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), has issued an order prohibiting the circulation of fake news, rumours, and unverified information on social media platforms within the jurisdiction of Leh district. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, comes in response to reports that certain individuals and groups have been spreading misleading content through platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram, potentially disturbing peace and harmony in the region. As per the directive, no person is…