The ongoing demand for district status in Nubra within Ladakh's evolving administrative framework post-Union Territory transition underscores the region's unique geographical challenges and the necessity for greater autonomy. Political promises, public aspirations, and concerns regarding basic facilities and legislative powers converge in this debate. The delay in addressing this demand raises questions about political authenticity and the genuine fulfillment of public needs. Overall, Nubra's quest for district status reflects a broader call for improved governance, administrative autonomy, and equitable development. Let’s read what they have to say about it?

Tsering Angchok, Deputy Chairman, LAHDC, Leh:  After the formation of the Union Territory (UT), plans were made to establish 5 to 6 districts under the UT government. The assurance was given that district status would be granted, confirming Nubra and Zanskar. The rationale for Nubra's demand for district status stems from its geographical distance from Leh, often leading to periods of isolation from the city. While there exists an SDM setup, the elevation to district status would involve the establishment of a separate administrative framework akin to Leh, encompassing offices for a District Commissioner (DC), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and various other departments. Although this entails challenges, interim offices could initially operate at the subdivision level, and infrastructure development would progress accordingly.

The approaching election season often prompts the foregrounding of political agendas, leading to perceptions of these objectives being political tools. Nevertheless, there's hope for the imminent announcement of district status for Zanskar and Nubra. The council election manifesto emphasized the need for an administrative setup, deeming district status for Nubra feasible. This demand has been consistently voiced since then, with the belief that reinforcing UT strength involves the establishment of more districts. People have high expectations regarding district status, and the delay has led to careful scrutiny of every administrative setup, despite the completion of formalities. The decision ultimately rests on political will.

Deldan Namgyal, Former MLA, Nubra: The longstanding demand for the Nubra district originates from its historical status as an MLA constituency during the previous government's tenure. Positioned near the borders of Pakistan and China, Nubra holds significant geopolitical and strategic importance within Ladakh. Spanning across a vast area with numerous villages, Nubra faces geographical challenges due to its considerable distance from Leh. Everyday tasks necessitate traversing the Khardong La pass, a particularly daunting endeavor during harsh winter conditions. To address this, there was a proposal to construct a tunnel at Khardong La using the state's grant budget. However, in the absence of its construction, the demand for district status became a political focal point across parties, notably integrated into the ruling party's manifesto.

Given its strategic significance akin to Sikkim, despite being smaller and sharing a border with China, Nubra's district status seems pivotal. The pledge to confer district status influenced the BJP's sweeping victory in Nubra's five seats last year. Beyond political undertones, the 6th schedule's absence diminishes the benefits of district status. With upcoming 2024 elections, public sentiments warrant careful deliberation.

Sikkim is the smallest state and shares a border with China, so it's very important to give Nubra compared to the 6 districts. If the BJP government can repeal the State Reorganization Act 2019, transitioning it to a Union Territory, granting one district appears to be a manageable step. The BJP's overwhelming victory in all five Nubra seats last year was propelled by their commitment to promptly confer district status. Additionally, Ladakh must have safeguards; without the 6th schedule, the merits of having a district diminish.
If the BJP government can repeal the State Reorganization Act 2019, transitioning it to a Union Territory, granting one district appears to be a manageable step. The BJP's overwhelming victory in all five Nubra seats last year was propelled by their commitment to promptly confer district status. Additionally, Ladakh must have safeguards; without the 6th schedule, the merits of having a district diminish.
As the 2024 elections approach, it's crucial to diligently consider public sentiments. Despite ample funds post the UT transition, Ladakh still lacks legislative power. Granting district status would bestow greater administrative autonomy and decision-making prowess upon Ladakh, fostering the region's holistic development and progress.

Granting district status to Nubra would yield multiple benefits for the region. Firstly, it would enhance local governance, amplifying the community's voice in shaping policies and decisions that directly impact them. This empowerment would foster more efficient administration, with district authorities possessing a deeper understanding of local needs. Secondly, district status facilitates targeted resource allocation. A dedicated administration can channel funds, infrastructure, and development projects to address Nubra's unique requirements, fostering overall regional development. Additionally, district status confers administrative and executive powers to Nubra, enabling more autonomy in policy implementation tailored to local contexts. This empowerment encourages the active participation of local leaders in governance, driving the region's progress. It's paramount that the voices and aspirations of the people of Nubra are duly heard and addressed.

Stanzin Tsondus LBA, Nubra Youth President: For the past 8 years, the primary demand of the people of Nubra has been the establishment of a separate district. This demand stems from Nubra's unique geographical position, sharing borders with two nations, causing various hurdles and imposing challenges on the local population. The promise made by the representative and its inclusion in the manifesto to create a separate district for Nubra has instilled significant hope among the people. They firmly believe that the fulfillment of this promise will not only address the district issue but also resolve other pending concerns. As elections draw closer, the public scrutiny intensifies, with voters assessing the success of promises made by their leaders. Failure to fulfill these commitments might lead to voters seeking representatives who can genuinely provide safeguards and address their grievances.

Interestingly, during the previous MP's tenure, there was no significant emphasis on the district demand. With elections approaching, this resurgence of demands appears strategic, possibly to sway public opinion. This timing raises questions about the authenticity of these demands, suggesting a potential political maneuver.

The people of Ladakh exhibit a unique perspective; they value substance over showmanship and easily discern different viewpoints. Their decision-making process revolves around assessing the advantages offered by potential representatives. Despite the transition to a Union Territory, there persists a sense of dissatisfaction among the people, leading to the clamor for the implementation of the Sixth Schedule. This sentiment arises from the belief that merely obtaining district status would be inadequate for places like Nubra, lacking essential amenities.

Nubra, facing a dearth of basic facilities, necessitates frequent journeys to Leh for even minor necessities. The previously established development authority for Nubra proved ineffective, prompting citizens to question the rationale behind granting a separate district. Representatives elected by the public must address these concerns, justifying the need for a distinct district in Nubra and outlining the potential benefits it would bring to the region.