The state of Jammu and Kashmir gets three administrative units with the grant of divisional status to Ladakh by the Governor, Satya Pal Malik on February 8. 

As per Govt. order, separate administrative and revenue set up is approved for Ladakh which comprises both Leh and Kargil district with its headquarter stationed in Leh. Spread out with an area of 86,909 sq km, Ladakh becomes the largest division as compared to Kashmir and Jammu division. 

Earlier, Ladakh was a part of Kashmir division, the identity and distinct culture of the region was overshadowed. The remoteness and inaccessibility of the area made people face problems regarding the delivery of a developmental scheme, redressal of grievances and the conduct of administrative affairs and governance. The only concern of the people of Ladakh was to get free from the Kashmir controlled administration.  

With the announcement of a separate administrative unit for Ladakh, people are now relieved from the hardship faced as both the administrative and revenue problems will get redressed in the region itself. More job avenues will be created with the availability of divisional cadre post for Ladakh.  Separate directorates of all departments will be created and also the police personnel of Ladakh need not have to go to the valley. 

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, CEC/Chairman Hill Council, Leh marked the decision as a historic step towards fulfillment of developmental and political aspirations of the people of Ladakh.

He said, “Divisional status will ensure financial as well as administrative autonomy for the region. Ladakh will witness an added momentum in every field of development in the coming days besides the Govt. officials working under divisional cadre would also immensely benefit out of it.”

Talking about the Union Territory status as committed by the BJP party, he said that the approval of divisional status is a step forward towards Union Territory status.

In the year 2014, Nurboo Gyalson, Former MLC resolution for a separate division was passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council. 

Congratulating people and welcoming the divisional status announcement, Rigzin Spalbar, Former CEC said, “We are happy for the announcement as the Congress party is always in favor of the status for the larger interest.”

While the celebration is all around the Leh district, the decision has also garnered a protest in Kargil district against announcing the divisional headquarter in Leh. People of Kargil alleged that they have been denied of their rightful share.

Cutting across the party differences, leaders of the Kargil district demanded a review of the government decision in announcing headquarter in Leh. They demanded rotational headquarter in both the district. 

Commenting on the protest, Rigzin Spalbar said, “It is the government responsibility to clear the confusion and issue. The divide and rule policy in Ladakh which many intended to play shouldn’t be happening and effort should be made in promoting and developing Ladakh as a whole.”

Kavinder Gupta, Former CM, J&K said, “We are not differentiating people of Kargil, putting forward the issue through protest and agitation is not a solution. With the grant of divisional status, the headquarter has to be stationed in one of the districts. But, the demand they have raised will be also put forward for due consideration.”

Is the controversy and anguish over the administrative arrangement arose because of the lack of dialogue and healthy discussion on one platform?

On February 11, the first Divisional Commissioner of Ladakh Saugat Biswas, IAS was also welcomed in Leh. He served Leh district before as Deputy Commissioner/ CEO LAHDC, Leh in the year 2015.

Welcoming divisional status for Ladakh, Tsering Samphel, Former President, District Congress Committee, Leh said, “such a decision is possible during president rule only because we can’t expect it from any of the popular government time. Also, we can’t ignore that the decision has been made as a damage control exercise of the BJP party which is needed”.

Leaders of the BJP addressed the gathering during the grand celebration for divisional status at polo ground on February 13.