Ladakh Times

26/09/2025

Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under National Security Act, Shifted to Jodhpur

Leh, September 26: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has detained climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980. According to an official press release issued today, Wangchuk was taken into custody from his residence in Uley Tokpo, Leh, and later shifted to Jodhpur.

The administration alleged that Wangchuk has been indulging in activities “prejudicial to the security of the State and detrimental to the maintenance of peace and public order.” Despite government communication and offers of dialogue through the High-Powered Committee (HPC), Wangchuk continued his hunger strike. Authorities claim his speeches and videos, which referenced international movements such as the Nepal agitations and the Arab Spring, incited violent protests in Leh on September 24, leading to the death of four individuals and large-scale damage to property.

The statement further noted that police personnel were attacked during the unrest, and that the entire episode could have been avoided if Wangchuk had ended his hunger strike once dialogue with the government resumed.

The Ladakh administration said it was essential to restore normalcy in Leh and prevent further disturbances. Citing “provocative speeches and videos” as a concern, officials emphasized that retaining Wangchuk in Leh was not advisable in the larger public interest.

“In this backdrop, the administration, based on specific inputs, took a considered decision to detain Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) and move him to Jodhpur,” the statement said.

26/09/2025

Internet Services Suspended in Leh After Arrest of Ladakh Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk

26/09/2025

Chandigarh,26 , September : Students from across states and organisations assembled today at Panjab University, Chandigarh, on the call of the All Ladakh Students’ Welfare Association, Chandigarh (ALSWA-C). The demonstration condemned the killing of four innocent civilians in Leh, Ladakh, and demanded justice for the people of the region. Students from other organisations also addressed the gathering, extending solidarity with Ladakh’s long struggle for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and the restoration of democracy through full statehood.

26/09/2025

Sonam Wangchuck was supposed to address press conference at 2.30 pm on Friday but was arrested before he could talk to the media.

25/09/2025

Member of Parliament for Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan, visited the injured protestors at SNM Hospital, Leh, just a day after the September 24 incident. He inquired about their health, listened to their concerns, and assured them that he would demand a proper inquiry into the matter. He also visited the Police Chowki Colony to meet the arrested protestors.

25/09/2025

Educational Institutions in Leh District to Remain Closed for Two Days

Leh, September 25: The District Magistrate, Leh, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), today ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Leh district for two days, starting from September 26, 2025.

The directive covers all government and private schools, Anganwadi centres, colleges, coaching centres, and other educational institutions across the district.

The decision has been taken in view of the prevailing situation in Leh district. The order emphasizes that the Chief Education Officer Leh, all college principals, and heads of educational institutions must ensure strict compliance.

24/09/2025

Inter-House Volleyball Tournament held at JK Northern Public High School
KARGIL,24 September:
JK Northern Public High School recently hosted an exciting Inter-House Volleyball Tournament featuring the four houses: Gandhi, Ambedkhar, Kalpana, and APJ Abdul Kalam. The matches, which began last Saturday, were fiercely contested and showcased the determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship of the students.
The final match was held today on the school ground amidst great enthusiasm. After a series of neck-to-neck battles, the results were as follows:
Boys: Winner – APJ Abdul Kalam House
Runner up – Kalpana house
Girks Winner – Ambedkhar House
GirlsRunner up : Kalpana House
The tournament was inaugurated in a unique and encouraging manner by School Chairman, Sir Jawad, and School Secretary, Sir Abass, who jointly served the first ball to officially kick off the event.
The matches were officiated by experienced referees Sir Sadiq Ali and Sir Abass Ali from Muthary Public School, Baroo, ensuring fairness and discipline throughout the tournament.
At the closing ceremony, the Respected Principal, Sir Brian Bhattacharya, distributed the prizes. Winners were awarded trophies along with a cheque of ₹2000, while the runners-up received a cheque of ₹1000. Referees were also honoured with a memento and cash prize as a token of appreciation for their contribution.
The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Sir Ahsan Ali Danish, who acknowledged the efforts of all participants, referees, and organizers in making the tournament a grand success.
The volleyball competition not only celebrated the sporting spirit of the students but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition in school life.

24/09/2025

District Magistrate Kargil Imposes Restrictions Under Section 163 of BNS 2023

Kargil, September 24: The District Magistrate of Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, has imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, with immediate effect to prevent any disturbance to public peace and order within the district.

The order follows inputs from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kargil, expressing apprehensions of potential disturbances to public tranquility. After careful consideration, the District Magistrate directed the enforcement of the following restrictions:
1. Ban on Processions and Rallies: No procession, rally, public march, or demonstration of any kind shall be allowed without prior written permission.
2. Restriction on Use of Loudspeakers: Use of loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, or vehicle-mounted public address systems is prohibited without prior authorization.
3. Ban on Provocative Statements: Public statements, speeches, or electronic messages likely to disturb peace or provoke enmity are strictly banned.
4. Prohibition of Unlawful Assembly: Gathering of five or more persons for purposes prejudicial to peace and tranquility remains prohibited across the district.

Violations of the order will invite strict legal action under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and other applicable laws.

The order, issued in the larger public interest, has been passed ex-parte and will remain in force until further orders.

24/09/2025

District Magistrate Leh Imposes Restrictions Under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Leh, September 24: The District Magistrate, Leh, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing apprehensions of disturbances to public peace, safety, and the possibility of law and order problems in the district.

According to the order, no procession, rally, or march shall be carried out without prior written approval of the competent authority. The use of vehicles mounted with loudspeakers or other sound systems has also been prohibited without approval.

The order further restricts making public statements that may disturb peace or lead to law and order problems. Additionally, assembly of five or more persons has been prohibited within the jurisdiction of District Leh.

The District Magistrate stated that immediate preventive and remedial measures were necessary to maintain public order and tranquility. As the order is being passed ex-parte, notice cannot be served individually.

24/09/2025

23/09/2025

Chief Secretary Ladakh Convenes Review Meeting over Developmental Works in Kargil

Kargil, September 23, 2025: Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal (IAS) today convened a review meeting at the Conference Hall, Baroo to review the financial and physical progress on developmental works in Kargil District.

The meeting was held in presence of Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Member of Parliament (Ladakh), Haneefa Jan, Executive Councillors, Deputy Commissioner Kargil, SSP Kargil, Joint Director (Planning) and sectoral heads of various departments.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary comprehensively reviewed the progress of developmental works across the District, including the financial status of District Capex. He took detailed stock of the Sewage Treatment Plant for Kargil Town, discussed the existing sewerage situation, engineering surveys, design of collection networks, treatment plant design and post-tender technical support during ex*****on. He also reviewed the solid waste management project, animal rescue centre and conservation and preservation of the Old Bazaar of Kargil.

The Chief Secretary assessed the progress of the transmission project under PMDP-15, Line-2 and the 220 kV GIS Sub-station at Padum, Transmission Line-02 Package-03, Project Vijayak roads funded by the UT Administration, Drass Winter Sports Academy with chair lift and ski drag lift, Zanskar Winter Sports Academy and the Multi-car parking project.

Dr. Kotwal directed NHIDCL to expedite the works of NH-301 and stressed the importance of community involvement in developmental activities. Further, he instructed the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Kargil, to initiate creation of posts against vacancies.

The Chief Secretary suggested mobilising religious heads for awareness on dry and wet waste segregation. He emphasized Ladakh’s vision of becoming carbon neutral and highlighted the benefits of grid power under the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for socio-economic upliftment.

23/09/2025

Chief Secretary Ladakh Reviews NH-301 Realignment and Kargil Civil Airport Expansion Feasibility

Kargil, September 23, 2025: Chief Secretary Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, today visited the realignment site of NH-301 (0–6 Package 01) starting from Kurbathang. During the visit, he inspected the progress of works and sought on-ground detailing from the executing agency regarding the status and challenges of the project.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, GM NHIDCL, Tehsildar, and other concerned officers.

Later, the Chief Secretary also visited Kargil Civil Airport to assess the feasibility of its expansion. He reviewed the status of land availability at the airport, the existing runway length, land available within the fencing area for straight expansion, and land availability towards the landing side.

An Air Force Officer briefed the Chief Secretary on the technical aspects and current status. The Chief Secretary said that Kargil has the potential for aircraft landing and expressed hope for a positive outcome in the future.

He further directed the Deputy Commissioner to initiate necessary steps for the transfer of land and expedite other related works to facilitate the process of expansion.