Ladakh Times, Main Bazar, Ladakh (2025)

25/12/2025

The Ice Hockey Association Kargil held a meeting with Hon’ble Member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan to discuss the development and promotion of ice hockey in the region. During the meeting, the Association briefed the MP on upcoming national and international events and sought his continued support.

The discussion included preparations and full support for the upcoming LG Cup Tournament, as well as the selection process for the Khelo India Winter Games. Special emphasis was laid on ensuring institutional and logistical support for the Kargil Ice Hockey Team, which is scheduled to participate in the Dehradun League Tournament.

The selection process for players representing Kargil in the Dehradun tournament, with prospects of advancing to represent India at international platforms, including the World Championship, was also discussed.

Additionally, key infrastructure-related issues were raised during the meeting. The Association highlighted the urgent need for the installation of a chilling mechanism at the Ice Hockey Rink, Kurba Thang, and the upgradation of the Ice Hockey Rink at Beema Thang, to improve training facilities and support year-round ice sports activities.

MP Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan assured the Association of his full support in promoting ice hockey in Kargil and committed to taking up the issues related to tournaments, player development, and infrastructure with the concerned authorities.

24/12/2025

Drass, December 23, 2025: District Police Ladakh successfully organised an Exposure Tour to Gujarat for students drawn from Government Degree College (GDC) Drass and other colleges of Ladakh, with the objective of broadening students’ academic, social, and cultural horizons.

A total of five (05) students from GDC Drass were selected to participate in the tour, along with students from other colleges of the district. The exposure tour aimed at providing students firsthand exposure to educational institutions, cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and administrative functioning in different parts of the country.

During the tour, students will visit various educational, cultural, and developmental sites in Gujarat, enabling them to interact with peers, understand best practices, and gain insights into national integration, discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility.

The initiative reflects the commitment of District Police Ladakh towards youth engagement, capacity building, and constructive student-police interaction. Such programmes play a vital role in nurturing responsible citizens and inspiring students to contribute positively to society.

The participating students expressed their gratitude to District Police Ladakh for providing them with this unique learning opportunity and acknowledged that the exposure tour significantly enhanced their confidence, awareness, and outlook.

Nasir ul Mehdi Shabani, Principal Govt Degree College Drass appreciated the move.

24/12/2025

Kargil, December 24, 2025: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, District Administration, and District Police Kargil jointly organized a farewell dinner in honour of Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, the outgoing Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, on the occasion of his superannuation, today at Hotel The Kargil.

Dr. Pawan Kotwal joined the Administration of Ladakh on 12 April 2021 as Principal Secretary, holding charge of key departments including Planning, Development & Monitoring, Health & Medical Education, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Revenue. He later assumed charge as Advisor to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, on 9 June 2023.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, redesignated the post of Advisor to Lieutenant Governor as Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh on 12 February 2025, making Dr. Kotwal the first Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, congratulated Dr. Kotwal on his superannuation and recalled his long association with him since he was working as professional doctor in health department in erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The CEC praised Dr. Kotwal’s cordial, people-friendly nature and highlighted that he always treated both districts—Leh and Kargil—equally, steering them on a common path towards the holistic development of Ladakh without regional bias.

The CEC also recalled Dr. Kotwal’s active role and Ladakh-centric vision during meetings of the MHA High-Power Committee advocating for Ladakh’s benefit. He stated that governance was strengthened through structural reforms focused on accessibility and inclusion, and highlighted the announcement of five new districts—Drass, Zanskar, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—in 2024 as one of the major achievements under his guidance. The CEC added that Dr. Kotwal’s services as the first Chief Secretary of Ladakh would be remembered in golden words, and wished him and his family a healthy and prosperous post-retirement life.

24/12/2025

Kargil, December 24, 2025: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon attended the inaugural session of the 3 Tesla MRI facility at District Hospital Kargil.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Akhoon congratulated the people of Kargil on the installation of this state-of-the-art medical equipment at the district hospital. He termed the facility a major milestone in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the region and said it would greatly benefit patients by providing advanced diagnostic services locally.

The CEC expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and the Chief Secretary for gracing the event with their presence. He also recalled the pivotal role played by former Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Dr. Brig. B.D. Mishra, in initiating and supporting the development of modern medical facilities at District Hospital Kargil.

Dr. Akhoon stated that with the commissioning of the 3 Tesla MRI facility, the people of Kargil would now receive world-class medical services at their doorstep, free of cost. He described the facility as particularly beneficial for people from marginalised sections of society, who earlier had to travel long distances for advanced diagnostic tests.

Highlighting various developmental initiatives undertaken in his chairmanship, the CEC said that several important procurements of medical machinery and equipment had been made through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He specifically mentioned the procurement of a ₹9-crore CT scan machine through Power Grid for CHC Sankoo, along with several other essential medical procurements.

The CEC requested Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar to address the shortage of super specialist doctors in Kargil, including cardiologists, urologists, nephrologists, and other specialists. He also urged the administration to provide short-term ultrasound / sonography training for MBBS doctors in neighbouring hospitals of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he requested the provision of first-aid emergency services for people residing in Jammu to facilitate them during medical emergencies.

24/12/2025

Kargil, December 24, 2025: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon chaired a meeting at his office chamber in the Council Secretariat, Kargil, today to review and finalise arrangements for the Kargil–Srinagar–Jammu–Chandigarh AN-32 Winter Courier Service.

The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors Kacho Mohd Feroz, Syed Mujtaba, Zakir Hussain, and Er. Phunchok Tashi; Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil, Nitin Yadav; the Commanding Officer, Air Force Station Kargil; Chief Medical Officer Kargil; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Kargil; Executive Engineer, Mechanical Division Kargil; Executive Engineer PHE Kargil; General Manager SIDCO Ladakh, DySP Traffic Kargil; Assistant Director Tourism Kargil, along with other concerned district officers.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held to ensure smooth, safe, and uninterrupted operations of the AN-32 courier service during the winter season. The discussions focused on facilitating safe, timely, and hassle-free travel for passengers commuting between Kargil, Srinagar, Jammu, and Chandigarh during the harsh winter months.

The Hon’ble CEC directed all concerned departments to make comprehensive arrangements well in advance, particularly with regard to logistics management, availability of medical and emergency services, uninterrupted power supply, and effective traffic regulation at the airport. He emphasised the importance of coordinated planning and prompt response mechanisms to address any contingencies during flight operations.

Dr. Akhoon further instructed all line departments to work in close coordination and cooperation with each other to ensure the safety, comfort, and timely movement of passengers, reiterating that seamless inter-departmental collaboration is essential for the successful conduct of the AN-32 Winter Courier Service.

23/12/2025

Kargil, December 23, 2025: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil successfully organized Kisan Samman Diwas at Salikote to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister, late Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh. The programme was graced by Syed Kazim Sabiri, former Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, as the Chief Guest. Officers from the Agriculture Department, officials of KVK Kargil, and farmers of the village were also present on the occasion.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Mohd Hassan, Programme Assistant, KVK Kargil, who extended a warm welcome to all the participants. This was followed by an address by Dr. Mansoor Hussain, Caretaker, KVK Kargil, who briefed the gathering about the objectives of the programme. He highlighted the role and vision of late Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, stating that the visionary Prime Minister, who himself was a farmer, dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the farming community. He further emphasized that Shri Charan Singh introduced several landmark reforms in the agriculture sector for the betterment of farmers.

Dr. Mansoor Hussain urged the farmers to adopt agriculture as an enterprise and encouraged them to derive maximum benefits from modern technologies and various government schemes. He also informed that KVK Kargil has introduced several innovative technologies for the farming community, including natural farming practices, water conservation techniques such as mulching and drip irrigation, and the promotion of high-yielding varieties of vegetables and food crops to enhance productivity and farm income.

Later, a practical demonstration on the preparation of Jeevamrit, Neem Astra, and Brahma Astra was conducted in the presence of the farmers. The demonstration aimed to familiarize the participants with eco-friendly and cost-effective natural farming inputs for sustainable crop production.

Dr. Mansoor Hussain also elaborated on the benefits of the newly enacted VB-G-RAM-G Act for the farming community.

22/12/2025

The Hon’ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu has issued notice to the respondents in a writ petition challenging the selection and appointment process for the post of Assistant Registrar at the University of Ladakh.

The matter was heard by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal Wani in WP(C) No. 3549/2025, titled Fatima Bano & Anr. vs Union Territory of Ladakh & Ors.

The petitioners, Fatima Bano, resident of Chiktan, District Kargil, and Stanzin Padma, resident of Nimoo, District Leh, have approached the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, questioning the legality and fairness of the selection process conducted by the University of Ladakh for the said post.

After hearing the matter, the Hon’ble Court passed an order directing the issuance of notice to all respondents, returnable within a period of four weeks. The Court further directed that requisites for service of notice be taken within one week.

Importantly, the Court ordered that the selection and appointment of private respondents (respondent Nos. 5 and 6) shall remain subject to the final outcome of the writ petition.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 28, 2026.

The respondents in the case include the Union Territory of Ladakh, University of Ladakh, the Selection Committee, the Registrar, University of Ladakh, and the selected candidates.

22/12/2025

Kargil, December 22, 2025: Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess winter preparedness and strengthen inter-departmental coordination, with a special focus on maintaining connectivity through Zojila Pass and other sub-divisional roads linking remote areas with the district headquarters, besides ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services across the district.

During the meeting, the CEC reiterated that all necessary efforts will be made to keep Zojila Pass open for the maximum possible duration during winter. He emphasised that Zojila remains the only vital lifeline for Ladakh’s connectivity and its timely maintenance is of paramount strategic and public importance.

Dr. Akhoon directed all concerned line departments and executing agencies, including BRO, Project Vijayak, NHIDCL and Mega Engineering, to work in close coordination to ensure smooth winter operations. He instructed the SDM Drass to identify accommodation facilities available with the Army and NHIDCL at Gumri and Menamark for use during emergencies, particularly for stranded travellers and passengers. He also directed the 24×7 deployment of an ambulance at the Matiya Sub-Centre to ensure prompt medical assistance.

The SDM Zanskar presented a detailed update on road connectivity, availability of essential commodities and the supply of medicines in the Zanskar region. In this context, the CEC directed officials of Project Ujayak and NHIDCL to deploy adequate manpower and machinery at vulnerable locations along the Kargil–Zanskar road for emergency snow clearance, and also to ensure timely clearance of the Nimo–Darcha road.

Considering the ongoing Losar festival in Zanskar, the CEC directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to extend power supply hours to facilitate smooth celebrations. He also instructed the Cooperative Department to ensure the availability of subsidised food items for the public during the festive period.

22/12/2025

Snow Clearance Operations Begin on Zojila Axis After Fresh Snowfall

Kargil, December 22:
Following the recent spell of snowfall in the higher reaches, snow clearance operations on the Zojila axis commenced on today from both the Sonamarg side and the Meenamarg site.

Official sources said that heavy winds at the Zojila Pass led to substantial snow accumulation along the road, particularly on the sides, increasing the risk of slippery conditions and traffic disruption. The fresh snowfall has rendered the stretch unsafe for vehicular movement until clearance operations are completed.

Snow removal teams and machineries have been deployed on both ends to restore connectivity at the earliest, subject to weather conditions. Authorities have advised drivers and passengers stranded on either side of the pass to remain patient and avoid unnecessary travel until a green signal is issued by the concerned departments.

21/12/2025

Kargil, December 21, 2025: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today kick-started the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) Programme, under which Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is being administered to all children below five years of age on National Immunization Days (NIDs).

On the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner/Joint Director Information, Imteeaz Kacho; Chief Medical Officer Kargil, Dr. Liyakat Ali; Deputy CMO Kargil, Dr. Fatima Banoo; State Leprosy Officer Kargil, Dr. Fatima Nissa; Block Medical Officer Kargil, Dr. Jalil; District Programme Manager, Mohd Ishaq, along with polio beneficiaries, their parents, and paramedical staff, were present.

Speaking on the occasion, the CEC lauded the medical fraternity for playing a pivotal role in eradicating polio from India. He congratulated all stakeholders and said that without the collective and coordinated efforts of health workers, administration, and the community, achieving the polio-free status would not have been possible. He added that vaccination drives are continuing as a precautionary measure to ensure sustained immunity.

Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon also appreciated the efforts of the Health Department Kargil for providing essential medical facilities to people residing in far-flung areas like Itchoo, stating that witnessing such healthcare outreach in remote regions is highly satisfactory.

He further emphasized that health and education remain top priorities of LAHDC Kargil. Several developmental works aimed at strengthening the healthcare sector have already been completed, while many more are in the pipeline. The CEC appealed to the public to participate in large numbers and ensure that all eligible children receive the polio vaccination

21/12/2025

Kargil, December 21, 2025: The final match of the Archery Tournament, organized by Chums Sports Club, Chokiyal, was held today at Toko Playground with great enthusiasm.

The Hon’ble Councillor, Bhimbat Constituency, Mr. Abdul Wahid, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest during the closing ceremony. The final match was played between Chums Sports Club and Goshen Sports Club, in which Chums Sports Club emerged victorious by a narrow margin of one point, with scores of 63 to 62.

While addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Councillor emphasized that education, sports, and good health are top priorities. He assured full support for the promotion of sports activities in the constituency and reiterated that no stone will be left unturned for the overall development and well-being of the youth.

On the occasion, the Hon’ble Councillor announced a cash prize of ₹20,000 for the organizing club and ₹5,000 for Goshen Sports Club in appreciation of their participation and sportsmanship.

The event concluded with appreciation for the organizers and participants for successfully conducting the tournament.

20/12/2025

Kargil December 20 : Aspirants who appeared in the 10th and 12th level district cadre recruitment examinations conducted by KSSRB Kargil and DSSRB Leh have urged the authorities to immediately release the results of these examinations before the issuance of appointment orders for Driver, Orderly and Safaiwala posts by the Ladakh Subordinate Services Selection Board (LSSSSB).

Candidates stated that a number of aspirants from both Kargil and Leh districts who have already qualified or are likely to be selected under the LSSSSB recruitment may also stand a strong chance of selection in the district cadre posts conducted by KSSRB and DSSRB. They pointed out that the exam syllabus, pattern and difficulty level were largely similar across the recruitments, increasing the likelihood of overlap in selections.

According to aspirants, if district cadre results are declared after the LSSSSB appointment orders, candidates would be compelled to join LSSSSB posts first to secure their employment. However, once district cadre results are announced later, many of them are expected to prefer district cadre postings, citing reasons such as hometown placement, proximity to families, and comparatively higher-level posts, particularly at the 12th level.

These posts include Veterinary Pharmacist, Village Level Worker (VLW), Forest Guard, Fisheries Guard, among others. Aspirants also highlighted that the district cadre recruitment includes a large number of vacancies, including over 200 Orderly posts across Kargil and Leh districts and 24 Driver posts in Kargil district alone, making multiple selections highly probable.

Candidates fear that this sequence may lead to a situation where selected candidates resign from LSSSSB posts after securing district cadre appointments, resulting in a backlog of vacancies, especially affecting candidates who scored marginally lower marks, particularly those below the 58-mark range.

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