Leh, Aug 29: The recent announcement of five new districts in Ladakh has triggered a wave of mixed reactions, particularly across the district of Kargil. While the news was met with celebrations in Drass, the exclusion of Sankoo-Suru Valley from the list has sparked widespread discontent among its residents.
In Drass, the atmosphere was jubilant as the region was officially granted district status. The announcement was marked by grand celebrations during the “Jashn-e-Drass” event at the Drass Headquarters, where senior BJP leaders, including CEC LAHDC Leh Advocate Tashi Gyalson, former MP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Chairman Haj Committee Ladakh Mohd Ali Majaz, and President BJP Kargil Mohd Ali Chandan, were welcomed with traditional garlands of Khataks. The leaders used the occasion to reaffirm the government’s commitment to the overall development of Ladakh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, the mood in Sankoo/Suru Valley was starkly different. The decision to exclude the valley from the list of new districts led to a complete bandh, organized by the United Movement for Sankoo District Status. Residents expressed their dissatisfaction and disappointment, feeling their aspirations were overlooked.
Syed Abbass Rizvi, a senior National Conference leader and former Executive Councillor, took to social media to voice the community’s concerns. On his X account, Rizvi stated, “We the people of Sankoo/Suru Valley strongly believe our area deserves recognition as a district. Despite the creation of 5 new districts, the exclusion of our valley is concerning. We urge the LG Ladakh to present our genuine demand to the Home Minister Of India for the betterment of our region.” Rizvi also shared images of the bandh to highlight the unity and determination of the valley’s residents.
While Drass revels in its new status, the people of Sankoo/Suru Valley have pledged to continue the struggle until the call for district recognition is acknowledged.
