Leh: Seven years after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), leaders on Wednesday highlighted the transformation journey of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, underlining progress in infrastructure, governance, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and empowerment of marginalised communities.
On the occasion of Ladakh Union Territory Declaration Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that August 5, 2019, marked a “decisive new chapter” in the history of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with the full application of the Constitution of India bringing new opportunities and rights to people who had been deprived of them for decades.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Seven years ago, on this day, Articles 370 and 35(A) became history, marking a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh.”
Seven years ago, on this day, Articles 370 and 35(A) became history, marking a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh.
Since then, the lives of the people of J&K and Ladakh have witnessed wide-ranging transformation. Infrastructure has…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2026
He said that since then, the lives of people in both regions have witnessed “wide-ranging transformation”, with expansion of infrastructure and growth of opportunities in sectors including education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports.
“Be it the women or the marginalised communities, those who were denied their basic constitutional rights for decades have been empowered thanks to the full application of the Constitution of India,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the significance of August 5 this year, the Prime Minister noted that the country is commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose commitment towards national unity, he said, continued to inspire generations.
“What he envisioned decades ago found historic fulfilment on 5th August 2019,” PM Modi said, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment towards the progress of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and building a Viksit Bharat where every citizen gets the opportunity to dream, achieve and contribute.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena extended greetings to the people of Ladakh on the occasion of the UT Ladakh Declaration Day, describing the day as a historic milestone in the region’s journey.
In a message, the LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their commitment towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.
“Under the Hon’ble PM’s visionary leadership, a new era of peace, rapid development and empowered local governance has dawned in Ladakh,” the LG said.
On this momentous UT Ladakh Declaration Day, I extend my warm greetings to my sisters and brothers of Ladakh.
My heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble Home Minsiter, Shri @AmitShah ji for their unwavering commitment to fulfilling the…
— LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) August 5, 2026
He congratulated the citizens of Ladakh and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to taking the Union Territory towards greater progress and prosperity.
The LG said that the creation of the Union Territory opened new avenues for focused development, strengthening of governance systems and better delivery of public services in the strategically important Himalayan region.
Meanwhile, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, former Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh, described August 5 as a “day of double celebration” for Ladakh, as the region marked its 7th Union Territory Declaration Day and the festival of Ladakh Spal Ngam Duston 2026.
Recalling Ladakh’s seven-year journey as a Union Territory, he highlighted progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, governance reforms and measures aimed at safeguarding the rights and aspirations of the people of Ladakh.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP central leadership for fulfilling the region’s long-standing aspirations.
The anniversary of the constitutional changes that came into effect on August 5, 2019, was marked in Ladakh amid discussions on development, administrative reforms and greater opportunities for the people.
Since becoming a separate Union Territory without a legislature, Ladakh has witnessed increased focus on infrastructure expansion, connectivity projects, tourism promotion, renewable energy, education and local governance reforms.
The Centre and the UT administration have repeatedly maintained that the new administrative framework aims to accelerate development while preserving Ladakh’s unique cultural identity and ecological significance.
As Ladakh completes seven years as a Union Territory, leaders reiterated their commitment towards inclusive growth, stronger institutions and creating new opportunities for the younger generation of the region.
