 |
|
The creation of five new districts in Ladakh, a move welcomed by local residents as a fulfillment of a long-standing demand, has sparked renewed discussion about the region's aspirations for statehood. The decision, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is seen by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government as a step towards better governance and prosperity in the strategically important region. However, while acknowledging the benefits of the new districts, groups fighting for Ladakh's statehood are determined to continue their struggle for greater autonomy.
The new districts, Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang, are expected to bring administrative services closer to the people, especially those in remote areas. The move aims to enhance the delivery of essential services and improve the overall well-being of the people in these regions. The BJP, which has been in power at the center since 2014, has highlighted the creation of new districts as a testament to its commitment to fulfilling the needs of Ladakh's population. The BJP's emphasis on fulfilling the needs of the people in Ladakh is a strategic move to strengthen its hold in the region, which has a significant strategic location bordering China and Pakistan.
However, while the decision is being celebrated by many, organizations like the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, which have been advocating for statehood for Ladakh, are not swayed. They argue that the creation of new districts does not address the fundamental issues of self-governance and autonomy. The groups maintain that they will continue their peaceful struggle for granting statehood to Ladakh and extending the sixth schedule of the Constitution, which provides special provisions for tribal areas, to the region. The groups' insistence on statehood and the sixth schedule highlights the complex political landscape of Ladakh and the desire for greater control over the region's development and resources. It is a reminder that the aspirations of the people of Ladakh extend beyond administrative restructuring and that the struggle for self-determination remains a key factor in the region's political landscape.
The move to create new districts has been met with mixed reactions from other political parties. While the Congress' Ladakh president, Nawang Rigzin Jora, acknowledged the decision's benefits, he emphasized that it alone wouldn't address the concerns of environmental protection, cultural preservation, and the identity of the Ladakhi people. He believes that the creation of new districts further strengthens the case for statehood, citing the example of Pondicherry, which, despite having only four districts, has its own legislative assembly. The Congress, along with other opposition parties, views the new districts as a political move aimed at consolidating the BJP's position in Ladakh without addressing the fundamental issues raised by the local population.
Source: "Thankful To Centre": Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk As Ladakh Gets 5 New Districts