Leh, Aug 26: Expressed conditional support for the government of India’s decision to create new districts in the Ladakh, Senior politician and a key member of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), Sajjad Kargili has voiced concerns over the exclusion of the Suru Valley, particularly the Sankoo area, from being granted district status.
“We welcome the decision taken by the Government of India,” Kargili remarked. “However, we also appeal for an amendment to include the Suru Valley region as a district as well. Not giving district status to the Sankoo Suru region is an injustice towards the people of that region.”
Kargili’s statement comes at a time of heightened regional sensitivity, with many local leaders advocating for more equitable administrative restructuring. The exclusion of Sankoo, a historically significant and strategically located area, has sparked concerns about potential neglect and underdevelopment.
In his remarks, Kargili also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the newly created districts are not merely symbolic but are endowed with full administrative powers and responsibilities. He expressed apprehension that, without proper empowerment, these districts could end up as ineffective as the sub-divisions created in the past, where the transfer of powers has been a longstanding issue.
“Moreover, it is also important to clarify whether these new districts will be fully functional with all powers and responsibilities, or if they will resemble the sub-divisions created earlier, where powers were not transferred to them till today,” he stated, reflecting on the region’s past experiences.
Kargili further appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging that the creation of new districts be accompanied by the establishment of a legislative assembly and other democratic institutions to ensure effective governance in Ladakh. He cautioned that without such measures, the new administrative divisions might only serve to add bureaucratic layers, rather than enhance democratic governance.
“Dear Amit Shah ji, we must also know that the creation of new districts can be truly beneficial if accompanied by the establishment of an assembly and further democratic processes. Without this, there is a risk of adding bureaucratic layers in Ladakh instead of enhancing democratic governance,” Kargili concluded.
Kargili’s statement underscores growing concerns in the Ladakh region about the implementation of administrative decisions and the need for greater local empowerment. His call for an inclusive and fully empowered administrative structure reflects the aspirations of many in the region who seek meaningful improvements in governance and public welfare.
