District panel visits Drass, holds talks with locals on reorganisation

The Districts Committee of Ladakh visited Drass, a subdivision of Kargil district, on Sunday to meet with local delegations and gather their perspectives on the proposed formation of new districts. The discussions took place at the Tourist Dak-Bungalow in Drass.

The committee, led by Chairman Pramod Kumar Jain, included members Kacho Asfandyar Khan, Tsering Angchok, and Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse. They met with various delegations representing prominent local organizations and political parties to understand community needs and priorities regarding district reorganisation.

Among the delegations were representatives from Anjuman Sofia Noorbakshia, Qadim Hanifiya Jama Masjid Drass, Gosia Hanifiya Jama Masjid, Jamiat Ahl-Hadith Muradbagh, Jaffariya Jama Masjid Drass, IKMT Wing Drass, as well as political parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, and National Conference in Drass. Each group shared their views individually, presenting written representations that outlined common concerns and aspirations for the region.

The committee also visited Mushkoo village and the Kargil War Memorial before heading to Kargil town. They are expected to continue consultations in other areas of Kargil district in the coming days.

Two councillors — Abdul Wahis and Abdul Samad — were also present among the delegations and also highlighted the public demands.

The Centre had announced five new districts in Ladakh including Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. A panel has been set up to invite public suggestions regarding the new districts.