Centre to create five new districts in Ladakh: Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that the Centre has decided to create five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh. He said the new districts – Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang – will bring the benefits meant for the people at their doorsteps by strengthening governance in every nook and corner.

In a tweet, he said, “In pursuit of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision of building a developed and prosperous Ladakh, MHA has decided to create five new districts in the Union Territory,” the Home Minister said. “Modi government is committed to creating ample opportunities for the people of Ladakh.”

The development comes 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 Ladakh leaders on their four-point agenda.

The LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) – two separate groups of various political, social and religious organisations – have been jointly agitating for the last four years for statehood, extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, early recruitment process as well as a Public Service Commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

Talks between Ladakh representatives and the central government ended in March without any concrete results.

Announcing the peaceful march from Leh to the national capital, LAB co-chair Chering Dorjey Lakruk said that at least 100 volunteers accompanied by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk will start marching from Leh on September 1 and reach Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.

However, the dates will change if the number of volunteers remains below 100, but the march will definitely take place, Lakruk said.

“The decision to hold the march was taken in the Apex meeting two days ago. Given the peak agricultural and tourist season, there may be fewer volunteers. We appeal to all sections of society to come forward and join the march,” he said.

Wangchuk, who was also present at the press conference, said Ladakhis were hopeful that the central government, after being inaugurated for a third term, would continue dialogue with their representatives.

“With this march, we are following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi because we believe in his doctrine of non-violence… We are fighting for our causes which are justified, democratic and protect the environment,” he said. “We want the nation to hear our voice and we also want to convince the government to honour its promises and re-engage with our leaders.”

(With contributions from PTI)