New Districts Committee concludes Two-Day Visit to Aryan Valley and Sham Region

Darchiks, November 20, 2024: The New Districts Committee, led by Chairman Shri Pramod Kumar Jain (IAS Retd.), concluded its two-day visit to Aryan Valley and Sham Region. The committee engaged with local leaders, residents, and various delegations to gather feedback on the formation of new districts in Ladakh.

The Committee along with members Kacho Asfindyar Khan (IAS Retd.), Tsering Angchuk (IAS Retd.), and Deputy Commissioner Leh Santosh Sukhadeve (IAS), met with delegations at the Tourist Dak Bungalow in Darchiks and at Beema as well. Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil Shrikant Balasaheb Suse (IAS) also joined the committee at Darchiks.

During the meeting, Councillor Feroz Ahmad Khan (Silmo Constituency), nominated Councillor Rigzin Gurmeth, and representatives from Darchiks, Garkon, Silmo, Lalung, Gargardoo, Kukshow, Dargo, and Hanu represented their views, suggestions and submitted their memorandum. The committee listened to the concerns and suggestions regarding the new district formation.

Delegates from Kukshow village, currently with Kargil District, expressed their desire for inclusion in the new Sham District to improve access to services, citing challenges related to migration, livelihood, and education. They also emphasized on the cultural differences with kargil district and potential benefits of merging with Sham District for their community’s well-being.

Delegation from Dargo advocated for staying within Chiktan Block under Kargil District, emphasizing the importance of their current administrative affiliation.

Representatives from the Darchiks, Garkon, Silmo, Lalung, and Gargardoo regions also voiced their concerns. Delegation from Darchiks and Garkon strongly advocated for reintroduction of the entire Aryan Valley, from Hanu Thang to Dambu Nalla, into a single sub-division status under Sham District. They stressed on the importance of preserving their culture and unity and emphasised that this inclusion can be a big step towards it.

Delegations from Silmo expressed their preference to remain as a part of Kargil District, citing better access to the district. Similarly, delegations from Lalung and Gargardoo also wished to stay within Kargil District due to their long-standing ties to the region.

Representatives from the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) in Aryan Valley, including members from Darchiks and Garkon, echoed the sentiments for New Sham District. They emphasized the significance of cultural preservation and community solidarity. The delegation requested the formation of a sub-division encompassing Hanu and Beema, with a headquarters at Hanu Thang.

Nambardar and members from Dha Beema and Hanu of Leh District apprised the committee about issues related to water facilities, infrastructure, and other regional problems. They also requested the formation of a Sub-Division status at Hanu Thang in presence of Deputy Commissioner Leh Santosh Sukhadeve, who drove to the Aryan Valley alongwith NDC. The locals and village elders of these villages also put forth their demands for new administrative units to be created or upgraded in view of local needs, aspirations and large distances.

Chairman Shri Pramod Kumar Jain assured all delegations that their concerns would be considered carefully. He emphasized that the formation of new districts should foster unity, cooperation, and development, rather than division on sectarian aspects. The committee ensured the local leaders and residents about the opportunities for all communities that the new districts would bring.

The committee reviewed feedback from every part of the region and will submit their report to the Ministry of Home Affairs which would reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the people of Ladakh.