Few months ahead of general elections, the Jammu and Kashmir state government has carved-out a separate Ladakh division for the cold desert. With this decision, J&K gets three divisions, each with a separate divisional commissioner and inspector general of police (IGP). Earlier, Ladakh was a part of the Kashmir division. Local governance has already been decentralized by the formation of Hill Development Councils for Leh and Kargil districts.
"There have been persistent demands for a separate division, on the basis of distinct, and harsh, topographic conditions and unique cultural status," said the official spokesperson. "Ladakh deserves special treatment, particularly due to its distance from the capital."
At 9,800 feet above sea level, Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in the country and is the highest plateau in the state. Coupled with inhospitable terrain, the region is shut off from the rest if the state for nearly six months a year, due to harsh winters.
"Taking all these factors into consideration, the government has decided to create a separate administrative/revenue division for Ladakh," said the spokesman. "A divisional commissioner and IGP will be appointed shortly. The Committee under Principal Secretary (Planning) will finalize all other details on posts, staffing, roles, responsibilities and location of offices."
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, who had demanded similar status for other far flung areas in Kashmir, said ignoring Pir Panjal and Chenab valley raises questions about the Centre's intention. "Seems like Governor sahab is peddling BJP's agenda by ignoring other equally deserving regions," she said.
National Conference (NC) vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah took the opportunity to lure voters, saying should the people repose faith in the party, their government will grant division status to Chenab valley and Pir Panjal regions.
"We will take care of regional & sub-regional aspirations. We won't adopt the pick and choose approach of the Governor, but will instead take a holistic view and address wider problems. Our regional autonomy document will be our template," he tweeted.
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