LADAKH ADMINISTRATION
Sonam Wangchuk appeals to President Murmu, alleges smear campaign by Ladakh administration
Sonam Wangchuk has expressed concerns to President Droupadi Murmu regarding administrative actions affecting critics in Ladakh. He alleges that a smear campaign is being orchestrated by the Lieutenant Governor's administration against him and others. The appeal follows the cancellation of the land lease for the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, which he co-founded.
Ladakh administration asks Sonam Wangchuk-founded institute to halt school activities pending HC decision
The Ladakh administration has directed the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, founded by Sonam Wangchuk, to stop activities at its Desert Flower School in Leh until the High Court delivers its decision in a pending matter concerning the institute. The notice cited the absence of requisite approvals and clearances for starting classes.
Five appeals, 15 visits, 30 calls: Sonam Wangchuk cites administrative delays in execution of HIAL land lease
Sonam Wangchuk has blamed administrative delays for the failure to execute a lease deed for land allotted to his Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), citing a February 2021 letter from the Ladakh administration that said the process was pending a new lease policy. Wangchuk said he made five written appeals, 15 visits and 30 phone calls seeking the deed.
Ladakh LG notifies Hill councils in all eight districts, first medical college in Leh in 2027
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena notified the establishment of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for all eight districts. The amendments to the regulation aim to improve local governance through increased representation and inclusivity efforts. The newly created Sankoo district will also have its own council following this announcement. Additionally, a medical college in Leh is set to operationalize in 2027 with a unique recruitment process.
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil chief to seek dissolution, likely to join BJP
Akhoon, an NC leader, rebelled against the party earlier this year when he refused to step down as chief executive councillor after completing two and a half years in favour of the alliance partner Congress, as per a power-sharing arrangement. This term of the LAHDC (Kargil) will end in October 2028.
Govt brings regulation to revise structure, electoral procedure of Ladakh Hill Development Councils
The Centre has amended the legal and administrative framework governing Ladakh's Autonomous Hill Development Councils to align it with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The changes allow the Ladakh administration to set elected seats between seven and 24, nominate up to four members, and extend council terms if elections are impracticable.
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Ladakh integral to India, China's denial can't change facts: MEA
Last week, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) assigned standardised names to 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh, including key border friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), such as Gogra and Hot Springs. India's response came hours after China strongly opposed New Delhi's move.
China opposes India's standardisation of names for 28 regions in Ladakh, calls the move illegal
China's foreign ministry protested India's move to establish standardised names for 28 regions in Ladakh on the official Survey of India and called the decision 'illegal.' The changes were in direct response to China renaming regions in Arunachal Pradesh in 2023, which it calls 'Zangnan' or South Tibet. The ongoing tensions highlight the complexities of India-China relations.
India rejects China’s claims on Ladakh, says UT is integral part of country
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes that Ladakh is an integral part of India. It responded to recent statements by China regarding Ladakh with firm denial. A press release identified 28 features in Ladakh with standardized names on the Survey of India map. This initiative was undertaken in consultation with local stakeholders to enhance public awareness. The MEA asserts that no denial from China will alter this established fact.
Centre maps 28 strategic places in Ladakh, including Gogra and Hot Spring
The Centre has officially identified 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh for better recognition. This step aims to enhance public awareness of important border friction points such as Gogra and Hot Spring. The identification was conducted in consultation with the Ladakh administration to streamline cartography efforts. Key places include several peaks and passes which were significant during recent tensions.
Ladakh awaits truth, justice and accountability: Sonam Wangchuk
Wangchuk, who is part of the Apex Body Leh (ABL) which, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is fighting for statehood and Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, said the judicial inquiry report has not been made public yet and the meagre compensation of ?15 lakh for the families of those killed is "painfully inadequate" and should be raised to a "dignified" amount.
Ladakh LG announces Rs 15 lakh aid for violence victims’ families
In a compassionate response to last September's tragic violence, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has announced financial support for victims' families. Each family of the four deceased will receive 15 lakh rupees, while individuals with major injuries will be compensated with 3 lakh rupees. This initiative underscores a strong commitment to aid affected families during their difficult times.
Ladakh orders strict food safety checks, warns 8,800 FBOs of Rs 10 lakh penalty, jail for violations
Ladakh administration orders strict food safety crackdown on nearly 8,800 food business operators. Penalties range up to ten lakh rupees and imprisonment for serious violations. All food businesses must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Inspections and food sampling will be intensified by the Food Safety Department. Businesses face significant penalties for selling unsafe, sub-standard, or misbranded food items.
Not just Leh, Ladakh could get two new airports soon; Thoise may start flights by December and Kargil later
Ladakh is working to expand commercial air connectivity beyond Leh, with Thoise targeting flights by December and Kargil being assessed for civilian operations later. The plans could make remote destinations such as Nubra, Turtuk, Drass and Kargil easier to reach while supporting tourism and local economic activity.
Nubra Civil Airport terminal likely to open by December
Ladakh plans to launch civilian flights from Thoise Airport by December. Runway re-carpeting is underway for a November completion deadline. A joint inspection will assess Kargil airport's readiness for civilian flights. These operations will boost the region's connectivity and tourism potential. The Indian Air Force approved land for a new civil terminal.
LG reviews operationalisation of commercial flights from Thoise, Kargil airports in Ladakh
Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor reviewed commercial flight operations for Thoise and Kargil airports. The Indian Air Force approved land for a new civil terminal in Nubra. Runway recarpeting at Thoise is scheduled for November completion. A joint inspection will assess Kargil airport's readiness for civilian flights.
Ladakh taps Indus water for agriculture
Ladakh's administration has made significant strides in environmental management by effectively channeling millions of litres of glacier runoff daily, which has notably increased water efficiency and enhanced agricultural sustainability in the region. They have successfully reduced the unutilized water flowing into the Indus river from ninety million litres down to five million litres.
Ladakh administration calls for SoPs to curb unauthorised photography, videography as IAF raises concern
Authorities in Leh are implementing strict Standard Operating Procedures to curb unauthorized photography and videography of sensitive areas, including the dual-use airport. This move follows concerns raised by the Indian Air Force regarding the circulation of operational images on social media. The administration is also reinforcing existing regulations and launching public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance with aviation safety and security standards.
Indian Army, Ladakh administration ink MoU to preserve fragile ecology, wildlife
The MoU was signed on the occasion of World Wildlife Day between the Army's Udhampur-based Fire and Fury Corps and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of Union territory administration under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) programme, a defence spokesman said.
Leh residents resume daily activities as Ladakh administration relaxes curfew
Leh city residents experienced relaxed curfew restrictions and reopened markets following recent violent clashes over demands for Ladakh statehood. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta affirmed commitment to dialogue and job creation, even as a high-level meeting reviewed the law and order situation.
Ladakh administration orders SDM probe; Ladakh groups reiterate judicial inquiry
Ladakh administration launched a magisterial inquiry into recent violence. Four individuals died and many were injured on September 24. The probe aims to uncover facts within four weeks. Public cooperation is sought for this investigation. Meanwhile, life resumed in Leh, though internet services remain suspended. Local associations demand a judicial probe and compensation for victims.
Ladakh administration defends cancellation of land allotment to Sonam Wangchuk's university
The Ladakh administration defended its decision to reclaim land allotted to Sonam Wangchuk's university, citing non-compliance with lease terms. Kargil Democratic Alliance supported Wangchuk and warned of protests. The administration emphasized its commitment to youth employment through recruitment drives. Discussions are ongoing regarding statehood and constitutional protections for the region. The KDA expressed concerns over the deployment of security forces.
Ladakh administration notifies Reservation (Amendment) Rules to restructure quotas in alignment with Central legislations
Ladakh's administration has introduced revised reservation rules, effective from the date of publication in the official gazette, to align with central legislations. The new policy restructures reservation quotas, setting aside 80% for STs, 1% for SCs, 4% for ALC residents, and 10% for EWS. Horizontal reservations include provisions for ex-servicemen and persons with disabilities, enhancing transparency in recruitment and promotions.
Kargil local body polls on October 4
The Ladakh administration has issued a new notification for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in Kargil, which will now take place on October 4. The nomination process will be held from September 9-16. The notification was issued following a Supreme Court order that directed the administration to issue a fresh notification.
SC decision on NC symbol a slap on Ladakh administration: Kargil Democratic Alliance
The Kargil Democratic Alliance has praised the Supreme Court's decision to restore the party symbol 'plough' to the National Conference (NC), stating that it is a blow to the biased Ladakh administration. The Ladakh administration had refused to allot the symbol to the NC's candidates for the upcoming Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections.
Supreme Court sets aside notification for Ladakh hill council polls, says NC entitled to 'plough' symbol
The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court had dismissed the Ladakh administration's plea against a single bench order allowing NC candidates to contest the upcoming polls for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, on the party symbol.
SC allots plough symbol to JKNC ahead of polls, Omar Abdullah welcomes court's verdict
The Supreme Court has overturned the notification issued by the Union Territory of Ladakh for the election in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and has assigned the 'plough' symbol to the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC). The court also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the UT administration.
SC set aside notification for Ladakh hill council polls, orders fresh process in seven days
The administration had approached a division bench of the high court against the single bench order of August 9 which directed the NC to approach the office of the Election Department of the administration of Ladakh to notify the reserved symbol 'plough' already allotted to for in the polls.
Ladakh administration signs 'historic' MoU with BRO for upgradation of road network
Calling the MoU a “historic” move, they said the Union territory (UT) administration also assigned seven projects to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) considering their expertise in hilly areas to construct tunnels and roads.
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