The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently made an announcement regarding the formation of five new districts in the union territory of Ladakh. This decision comes in anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections in the region of Jammu & Kashmir.
The recently formed new districts are Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This decision is anticipated to enhance the distribution of public services and streamline government programs, ensuring that the residents of these remote regions have improved access to government initiatives.
Currently, the region of Ladakh is comprised of two districts, namely Leh and Kargil. However, with the most recent updates, the Union Territory is set to expand and encompass a total of seven districts.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 resulted in the division of the state into two separate Union territories. The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir was granted a legislature, while Ladakh became a Union territory without a legislature. As a result of this reorganisation, laws enacted by the central government were made applicable in these territories, with the union government possessing the power over law and order.
Home Minister and Prime Minister on New Districts
Home minister Amit Shah posted on X “In pursuit of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision to build a developed and prosperous Ladakh, the MHA has decided to create five new districts in the union territory. The new districts, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang, will take the benefits meant for the people to their doorsteps by bolstering governance in every nook and cranny. The Modi government is committed to creating abundant opportunities for the people of Ladakh.”
Prime Minister Modi praised the decision, emphasizing that it signifies a significant step towards improved governance. In a post on X Prime Minister said “The creation of five new districts in Ladakh is a step towards better governance and prosperity. Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang will now receive more focused attention, bringing services and opportunities even closer to the people. Congratulations to the people there.”
Ladakh Resident Demanding Statehood
The residents of Ladakh have been demanding statehood for a while now.
Just two days after the Leh Apex Body (LAB) announced a foot march from Leh to Delhi next month to urge the Centre to resume the stalled dialogue with the leadership of Ladakh on their four-point agenda, the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) both separate groupings of various political, social and religious organizations are jointly spearheading an agitation over the past four years in support of:
1. Statehood for Ladakh
2. Extension of the Constitution’s sixth schedule to Ladakh
3. Early recruitment process along with a public service commission for Ladakh
4. Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
In a conference, co-chairman of LAB Chering Dorjey Lakruk revealed that a dedicated group of at least 100 passionate volunteers, led by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, will commence their inspiring journey from Leh on September 1. This remarkable pilgrimage will culminate in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, symbolizing unity and determination in the face of environmental challenges.
He said “The decision to conduct the march was taken at the Apex body meeting two days ago. Given the peak farming and tourism season, there is a possibility of a smaller number of volunteers. We appeal to every section of the society to come forward and join the march.”
Sonam Wangchuk said “Through this march, we are following the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi because we believe in his doctrine of non-violence, we are fighting for our issues which are justified, democratic and safeguarding the environment,” he said. “We want the nation to hear our voice and also want to impress the government to honor its promises and resume dialogue with our leaders.”
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk in February undertook a hunger strike to advocate for the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in Ladakh.
