Kargil , Oct 17: Festive fervour gripped the valley of Sankoo on Saturday as thousands of residents poured onto the streets to celebrate the official announcement granting district status to the region.
The long-standing aspiration of the local population finally came to fruition, transforming the sub-division into a newly minted administrative district.
The air echoed with patriotic slogans, traditional drumbeats, and joyous cheers as jubilant crowds waved flags, distributed sweets, and danced to folk tunes.
Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena along with the Member of Parliament Ladakh , Mohd Haneefa , CEC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer, Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra, DGP Ladakh Anand Jain and other prominent political, social and religious leaders joined the gathering of people in celebration. Local community leaders, religious heads, and prominent political representatives gathered at the main bazaar to address the mammoth gathering. Speaker after speaker expressed profound appreciation to the central government for recognizing the developmental needs and strategic importance of the region.
Leaders extended their heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena and other officials of the Administration praising their vision for inclusive growth, grassroots governance, and equitable development across the Union Territory of Ladakh. “ This is a historic milestone for the people of Sankoo. For years, we have awaited administrative decentralisation that addresses our unique geographical and cultural needs. Today, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah, our dreams have turned into reality,” CEC Kargil Dr Jaffar Akhoon said during the celebratory rally.
Sankoo, renowned for its lush green landscapes, historical significance, and vibrant multicultural heritage, has long faced administrative bottlenecks due to its distance from district headquarters.
Community elders and youth representatives highlighted that the new district status will usher in a transformative era.
Leadership from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil and local socio-religious bodies welcomed the decision, describing it as a historic milestone that honours the voice and aspirations of the region’s people. Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Karhil Dr Mohd Jaffar while speaking to Greater Kashmir express gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the LG Ladakh for fulfilling the genuine demand of the Sankoo area. MP Ladakh Mohd Hanifa also thanked the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and the LG Ladakh for granting Sankoo a district. The creation of Sankoo as the eighth district follows the earlier rollout of five new districts in Ladakh—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—reflecting an unprecedented administrative reorganisation of the Union Territory aimed at boosting local governance and development across its expanse. Bhartiya Janta Party leaders also hailed the decision to grant district status to Sankoo.
Meanwhile LG Ladakh expressed happiness over the overwhelming response of people and jubilation after the announcement. “Overwhelmed by the massive gathering and jubilant celebrations in Sankoo today, on declaration of Sankoo as Ladakh’s 8th district, followed by the announcement to constitute Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), as in all other districts of Ladakh. The immense joy and gratitude of the people, braving the icy winds on a chilly evening, is truly heartwarming. This historic milestone fulfils their long-standing demand and brings the administration right to their doorstep, in one of the most populous regions in Ladakh” LG Ladakh said. LG Ladakh expressed Deepest gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and HM AmitShah for consistently guiding Ladakh on the path of progress and inclusive development”. I assure the people of Sankoo that all administrative requirements, including the posting of officials, will be addressed at the earliest, so that the benefits of development reach every single household” LG said.
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