In a significant decision having far-reaching political consequences for the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday announced the creation of a separate administrative and revenue division of Ladakh, making it the third such in the state after Jammu Division and Kashmir.
Till now, the Ladakh region was a part of the Kashmir Division.
“There have been persistent demands from the region for creation of a separate division, claiming that the tough, distinct topographic conditions and unique cultural status of the Ladakh region deserves a special treatment, particularly due to the distance from the state capital,” a government spokesman said in a statement here.
“Taking all these into consideration, the Government has decided to create a separate Administrative/Revenue Division for Ladakh. A Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police for Ladakh Division will be appointed shortly. The Committee under Principal Secretary (Planning) will finalize all other details on posts, staffing, roles, responsibilities and location of offices,” the spokesman added.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader Waheed ur Rehman Parra, reacting to the announcement, said: “We welcome the decision for Division status to Ladakh, but denying the same to Chenab Valley and Pir Panchal in Jammu is uncalled for and an injustice.”
Chenab Valley region and Pir Panchal regions of Jammu have been demanding Hill Council status for long.