Ladakh leaders raise concerns over district reorganisation

The recent decision to create five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh has drawn mixed reactions, with some leaders welcoming the move while others raising concerns over its implications.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena earlier this week approved the notification for the creation of the new districts, increasing the total number from two to seven.

Reacting to the development, Kargil-based political leader Sajjad Kargili alleged that the move “appears less an administrative reform and more a calculated attempt to fragment the unified democratic and statehood movement of the people of Ladakh.”

In a post on X, Kargili said that while regions such as Drass and Zanskar in Kargil have long demanded district status and their inclusion is welcome, the overall approach raises “serious concerns.”

He alleged that the process had ignored “regional sensitivities, demographic realities, and principles of equitable representation.” Citing the 2011 Census, he said Ladakh has a population of 2,74,289, with approximately 46.40 per cent Muslims and 39.65 per cent Buddhists.

“However, the current reorganisation results in five Buddhist-majority districts and only two Muslim-majority districts,” he said, terming the distribution “skewed” and warning that it could deepen divisions.

Kargili also reiterated the demand for granting district status to Sankoo-Suru and Shakar Chiktan, stating that these regions have repeatedly submitted memorandums highlighting their case but have been overlooked.

Meanwhile, Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa described the decision as the fulfilment of a long-pending demand of the people of Ladakh for more administrative units.

At the same time, he emphasised that Sankoo–Suru and Shakar– Chiktan– Shargole remain among the most populous and geographically vast areas of Ladakh, making their demand for separate district status both “genuine and urgent.”

“Given the large population and far-flung geography of these regions, the creation of a separate district is justified. I hope this demand will be addressed at the earliest,” he said.

Ladakh MP alleges exclusion from relics reception

Srinagar: Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa on Wednesday alleged that he was informed “barely two hours” before the arrival of the sacred relics of Gautama Buddha in Leh.

Expressing reverence, Haneefa said he felt “deeply honoured and blessed” to welcome the relics, calling the occasion a moment of joy and spiritual pride for the people of Ladakh.

However, he criticised the administration, alleging “gross negligence and deliberate exclusion” by the concerned department. He claimed that despite repeated efforts by his office over the past two days, he was not adequately informed in advance.

Terming the incident “not just an administrative failure,” Haneefa said it appeared to be an attempt to sideline the elected representative from a historic event. He demanded accountability, stating that “the people of Ladakh deserve transparency and respect.”