Ladakh L-G announces creation of five new districts in UT
Srinagar, April 27
Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena on Monday announced creation of five new districts in Ladakh, raising the number of districts in the Union Territory to seven from the original two.
Officials said that the LG of Ladakh has announced the creation of five new districts, Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass, increasing the total districts from two, i.e. Leh and Kargil, to seven.
This move aims to decentralise administration, boost development in remote border areas, and fulfill long-pending local demands for better governance.
Of the five new districts, Nubra is known for its strategic location and high-altitude, aiming for tourism infrastructure development.
Sham, focusses on strengthening local governance in its region. Changthang, priority to preserve ancient tribes and enhance border infrastructure.
Zanskar, focusses on improving road connectivity and tourism.
Drass, focusses on creating infrastructure and supporting the Army base and is noted for its strategic importance.
The purpose of the initiative is to bring governance closer to residents in remote areas, create employment opportunities, and improve public service delivery.
The decision was originally approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2024 and officially notified in April 2026.
These administrative changes aim to address the unique needs of the diverse areas within the geographically vast, yet sparsely populated, Union Territory.
Two representative bodies of Ladakh, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have been actively protesting since 2021 for statehood, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, job security, and a public service commission.
Led by activists like Chering Dorjay and Sonam Wangchuk, LAB works with the KDA to negotiate these demands with the Union Home Ministry.
Tensions escalated in Ladakh on September 24, 2025 when police fired on an unruly mob indulging in arson and stone pelting.
Four people were killed in that police firing on people in Leh. Authorities then imposed a curfew and detained at least 50 people after protesters clashed with the police, setting fire to an office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the office of the chief executive councilor, and a police vehicle. Dozens of people, including police officials were injured.
World-renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the National Security Act and shifted to a jail in Rajasthan. He was released on March 14 this year.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Decentralization is welcome, but let's not forget the bloodshed in Leh last year. Four people died when police opened fire on protesters. Creating districts without addressing the core demand for Sixth Schedule protection feels like putting a bandage on a deep wound. Jai Hind, but justice must come first.
Great move for tourism! Nubra and Zanskar have so much potential. But these are high-altitude areas with harsh winters—hope the government provides proper infrastructure and not just announcements. Also, remember that Drass is the second coldest inhabited place on earth, so any development there needs serious planning.
I support the move, but one cannot ignore that this comes after massive protests and the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk under NSA. The government needs to build trust with the people of Ladakh, not just impose decisions. Sixth Schedule status and statehood are non-negotiable for the locals—let's hope this district creation is a step, not a diversion.
Living in Ladakh isn't easy—I visited once and realized how remote these areas are. Five new districts mean more local jobs, better schools, and quicker response in emergencies. But I agree with others: without addressing the political demands, this might not solve the deeper unrest. Let's hope all stakeholders sit together now.
Strategic move for border security! Changthang and Drass are near the LAC and LoC respectively. Better administration means better surveillance and faster response. But why did it take so long? The protests in 2025 were tragic—police firing should never
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