Vol Desk, Jan 12: In response to recent media reports suggesting the contemplation of creating separate districts in Ladakh for Zanskar and Nubra, the sub-division Drass has witnessed a surge in protests, demanding a separate district for their region as well.

On January 10, news circulated among the people of Ladakh that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Ladakh had discussed the formation of separate districts for Zanskar and Nubra with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) before the 2024 general election of Lok Sabha.

The following day, the Drass Subdivision erupted into protest, with social and religious leaders unanimously expressing their dissatisfaction over the neglect of their longstanding demand for Drass to be recognized as a separate district.

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The protest unfolded after the Friday prayer, with demonstrators rallying behind the slogan, “District is our right.” A subsequent press conference was convened, during which it was stated that the LG had met with the MHA to propose the creation of two districts in Ladakh. Protesters wanted to remind the LG that Drass, being the coldest and border region, is also the most populated division in comparison to other divisions in the region, covering an expansive area of 1250 square kilometers.

Highlighting their persistent demand dating back to 1979, the protesters questioned why Drass was not mentioned in the LG’s proposal to the MHA.

The press conference concluded with an appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Members of Parliament, and the LG of Ladakh to grant district status to Drass as well.