Ladakh, Aug 26, KNT: In a significant administrative move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh, formerly part of Jammu and Kashmir. The new districts are Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang.
Home Minister Amit Shah took to Twitter to share the news, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for development in Ladakh. The move aims to enhance administrative efficiency and bring governance closer to the people.
The new districts have been allocated between the Leh and Kargil divisions, with three districts (Nubra, Changthang, and Sham) falling under Leh and two (Zanskar and Drass) under Kargil.
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However, the decision has left many in Kargil surprised and disappointed, particularly in the populous and vast area of Sankoo, which was expected to be granted district status. Social activist Muhammad Reza told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that, “People are jubilant but surprised after Sankoo didn’t find a mention in the list of new districts.”
The exclusion of Sankoo from the list of new districts has raised questions about the criteria used for selecting the new districts. Locals had hoped for Sankoo’s elevation to district status, citing its large population and geographical expanse.
“The creation of new districts is expected to bring about administrative reforms and development in Ladkah. Nevertheless, the omission of Sankoo has sparked debate and discussion among the people of Kargil,” said Muhammad Shafi, a teacher by profession who hails from Sankoo. [KNT]
