Sankoo, February 21, 2025: A protest march was organized today under the leadership of Councillor Thangdumbur, Agha Syed Ahmed Rizvi, led by the Anjuman Sahib-uz-Zaman Sankoo, demanding the elevation of Sankoo Sub-Division to the status of a district. The march began after Friday prayers from the Jamia Masjid Sankoo, passed through the central market, and concluded at Alamdar Chowk.

Thousands of protesters from Sankoo, Thangdumber, and surrounding areas participated in the demonstration. Among the attendees were the Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil and Councillor Thasgam constituency, Dr. Mohammad Jaffar Akhoon. Protesters chanted slogans in favor of granting district status to Sankoo and appealed to the government to take immediate action.

At the conclusion of the protest, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Dr. Jaffar Akhoon addressed the crowd, stating that the demand to upgrade Sankoo to a district is justified. He emphasized that, given its population and geographical area, Sankoo should have already been granted district status. He further explained that several areas under the Sankoo Sub-Division headquarters are located 70 to 80 kilometers away, causing significant difficulties for the public.

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Dr. Jaffar revealed that during his meetings with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Ladakh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he highlighted the injustices faced by Kargil. He informed the Home Minister that Sankoo Sub-Division is the most populous and largest area in the Union Territory of Ladakh, while Shakar Chiktan district headquarters is located at a considerable distance. Therefore, granting district status to both areas is essential.

He assured the protesters of a positive response from the Home Minister but vowed to continue the protest and struggle until the demand is met. Dr. Jaffar stressed that this is a matter of the region’s future, as the creation of new districts would provide employment opportunities for thousands. He urged all religious and political organizations to unite in this effort.

Councillor Thangdumbur, Agha Syed Ahmed Rizvi, in his address, stated that Sankoo Sub-Division is the largest in the Union Territory of Ladakh, as evidenced by the presence of nine councillors, reflecting the area’s significant population. He made it clear that the protests would continue until Sankoo is granted district status.

The protesters expressed their determination to continue their struggle until their demands are met and urged the government to take immediate steps to declare Sankoo a district.