Kargil – Political and community leaders in Kargil have strongly criticised the recent administrative changes in Ladakh, calling the move unfair and potentially divisive.
Concerns Over New Districts
According to Beyond Time News, authorities approved five new districts — Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass — increasing Ladakh’s total districts from two to seven.
Leaders in Kargil argue that the restructuring does not reflect the region’s demographic balance. They pointed out that only Kargil and Drass have Muslim-majority populations, while the remaining districts are largely Buddhist-majority.
Allegations of Imbalance
Mohammad Haneefa Jan said the decision has left parts of the community feeling sidelined. He highlighted that long-standing demands for district status for areas like Sankoo-Suru and Shakar-Chiktan were ignored.
Similarly, Dr Jaffer Akhone described the move as “imbalanced and discriminatory,” urging authorities to reconsider.
Read more:Ladakh District Reorganisation Sparks Political Backlash Over Regional Balance
Fears of Division
Sajjad Kargili expressed concern that the restructuring could weaken regional unity. He said the move appears less like administrative reform and more like an attempt to fragment Ladakh’s collective voice.
While he welcomed the inclusion of Drass and Zanskar as districts, he stressed that excluding other key areas undermines fair representation.
Call for Inclusive Approach
Leaders warned that such decisions could deepen divisions if not addressed. They called for equal consideration of all regions and urged the government to grant district status to overlooked areas.
They emphasized that Ladakh’s strength lies in unity and that maintaining balance and inclusivity remains essential for long-term stability.
