On August 26, the Home Minister announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, a move that has generated both appreciation and skepticism among the region’s residents. This decision coincided with the announcement of the peaceful march to Delhi by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The march aims to address four long-standing demands: The four point agenda includes full-fledged statehood for Ladakh; constitutional safeguards under the 6th schedule of the Indian Constitution, early recruitment process & PSC for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

The timing of the district announcement has led to confusion and speculation. Many Ladakhis see this move as a strategic attempt by the central government to deflect attention from the key issues being raised. Since Ladakh was reorganized as a Union Territory following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir on August 4, 2019, there has been growing discontent over the lack of legislative power and autonomy.

The initial excitement surrounding the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory has since given way to frustration. Residents who once celebrated the reorganization are now demanding more substantive changes, including statehood and the protection of their cultural and land rights under the 6^th Schedule. The recent 2024 parliamentary elections highlighted these issues, with the ruling BJP suffering a significant defeat as voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the unfulfilled promises.

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The recent announcement of the five districts seems to some as a mere placation, a “lollipop” intended to pacify dissent and pre-empt the planned Delhi march. Historical patterns of central government strategy, often described as “divide and rule,” have led to distrust among the local populace. The new districts, while welcomed by some, are viewed by others as insufficient to address the core issues of autonomy and representation.

As the LBA and KDA prepare for their peaceful demonstration, it is clear that while the creation of new districts may offer administrative benefits, it does not resolve the fundamental demands for greater political and economic rights. The people of Ladakh continue to advocate for their four primary agendas, and the central government’s latest move will need to be accompanied by genuine progress on these issues to quell ongoing unrest and address the legitimate concerns of Ladakhi citizens.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Voice of Ladakh, its editorial team, or its affiliated organizations.