Ladakh Leaders Raise Concerns Over District Reorganisation The Union Territory of Ladakh has sparked debate over the recent decision to reorganize its administrative structure by creating five new districts, increasing the total from two to seven. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the notification earlier this week, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from local leaders. While some view the reorganisation as a step toward better governance, others have raised concerns about its implications for regional unity and representation. Political leader Sajjad Kargili, a member of the KDA party, criticized the decision, arguing that it appears more like an effort to fragment Ladakh’s unified statehood movement than a genuine administrative reform. In a post on X, Kargili stated that while regions like Drass and Zanskar in Kargil have long sought district status and their inclusion is welcomed, the overall approach raises “serious concerns.” He accused the process of ignoring “regional sensitivities, demographic realities, and principles of equitable representation.” Citing the 2011 Census, Kargili highlighted that Ladakh’s population of 274,289 is composed of 46.40% Muslims and 39.65% Buddhists. He pointed out that the new reorganisation results in five Buddhist-majority districts and only two Muslim-majority districts, calling the distribution “skewed.” This, he warned, could deepen existing divisions within the region. Kargili also reiterated demands for district status for Sankoo-Suru and Shakar Chiktan, regions that have repeatedly submitted memorandums to support their case but have been overlooked. Meanwhile, Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa expressed support for the decision, framing it as the fulfillment of a long-standing demand for more administrative units.#ladakh #ladakh #vinai_kumar_saxena #sajjad_kargili #kda #sankoo_suru
7 killed as avalanche hits Srinagar-Leh National Highway An avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh national highway near Zero Point at the Zojila Pass on Friday, March 27, 2026, killing at least seven people and injuring five others. The incident occurred in the afternoon when a convoy of passenger vehicles was navigating the snow-covered road. Witnesses reported that a massive snowfall collapsed onto the highway, burying several vehicles at an elevation of 3,580 meters. Initial reports indicated that one vehicle was thrown off the road, while multiple others were trapped in the snow. Casualties were primarily reported from three to four vehicles that were completely buried. Authorities attributed the avalanche to bright sunlight, which may have destabilized the snowpack. Ladakh Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena directed immediate relief efforts, instructing local officials to mobilize rescue teams and coordinate with disaster response agencies, including the Border Road Organisation. He emphasized that the highway has been closed to traffic and that all government resources are being deployed to manage the situation. Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed condolences to the families of the victims, stating that assistance was being provided to the injured. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also conveyed his grief over the loss of life, offering prayers for the recovery of the wounded. The Zojila Pass, a critical link between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, remains a vulnerable area during winter due to its high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. The incident highlights the risks faced by travelers on mountain roads in the region, where sudden natural events can lead to severe disruptions and casualties.#jitendra_singh #zojila_pass #srinagar_leh_national_highway #vinai_kumar_saxena #jammu_kashmir_chief_minister
