Leh, April 29: Days after the Union Territory Administration announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, newly appointed Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police on Tuesday formally assumed charge in Changthang, Nubra, Sham, Zanskar and Drass, marking the beginning of administrative operations in the newly formed districts.
The officers were accorded warm public receptions, ceremonial guard of honours by Ladakh Police, and traditional welcomes by local residents, officials, religious leaders and public representatives across the five districts.
In Changthang, Nitish Rajora, IAS, assumed charge as Deputy Commissioner, while Abbas Jaffari, JKPS, joined as Superintendent of Police. They were received at Nyoma village by SDM Nyoma Kacho Asgar Ali, heads of departments, staff members, Nambardars, association representatives and residents. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented before a formal programme at the Deputy Commissioner Office Complex.
Addressing the gathering, Rajora congratulated the people of Changthang on attaining district status and said his focus would be on strengthening governance, ensuring effective implementation of government schemes and improving public service delivery. He stressed the need to work collectively to develop Changthang into a fully functional district while addressing public aspirations.
In Nubra, Mukul Beniwal, IAS, took charge as Deputy Commissioner and Stanzin Losal, JKPS, joined as Superintendent of Police. Both officers were welcomed by SDM Nubra Jigmet Raftan, Tehsildar Sumoor Tashi Jorgais, heads of departments and local representatives at Khardong village, followed by receptions at Khaltsar and T-Morh.
Former Deputy CEC Tsering Angchuk, former councillor Rigzen Lundup, Ladakh Buddhist Association leaders and residents joined the welcome. At the Deputy Commissioner Office Complex in Diskit, students of Government Higher Secondary School and local artists from Diskit and Hunder presented cultural performances.
Beniwal reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening governance and public services, while SP Losal emphasized maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety and promoting a people-friendly policing system. He also highlighted the need to create opportunities for youth and assured efforts to make Nubra exemplary in policing and public service.
In Sham district, Kunzes Angmo, JKAS, formally assumed charge as Deputy Commissioner. She was warmly received at Hemischu by officers of Sub-Division Khaltse led by SDM Khaltse Mohd. Sharif, along with villagers from across the Sham region, including Aryan villages of Darchik and Garkhon, which are now part of the new district.
The reception was led by nominated councillor of Aryan Valley Rigzin Gurmet and attended by monks, former councillors, President LBA Sham, BJP leaders, Women Alliance representatives and Lambardars from various villages.
Representatives of political, social and religious groups expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the former CEC of LAHDC Leh and the Member of Parliament for the creation of the new district. Angmo assured the people that her administration would work sincerely for the welfare and development of Sham district.
In Zanskar, newly appointed Deputy Commissioner Omkar Rajendra Gundage received a grand welcome on his arrival. At Shakma Karpo, local residents, officials and the Tehsildar welcomed him, while traditional khataqs were offered from Rangdum to Padum as he interacted with people during his journey to the district headquarters.
Senior Superintendent of Police Rigzin Sangdup, who accompanied him, also received a warm reception. After formally assuming charge in Padum, Gundage congratulated the people on Zanskar attaining district status and described it as the fulfilment of a long-pending demand.
He thanked Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for his support and stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure effective governance and development. He assured that his office would remain accessible to the public and committed to addressing grievances and ensuring people’s welfare.
SSP Rigzin Sangdup said the police department would continue working closely with the civil administration to maintain law and order, ensure communal harmony and provide effective public services.
In Drass, Imteeaz Kacho, JKAS, and Ishtiyaq Ahmed Kacho, JKPS, assumed charge as Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police respectively. A huge rally from the Taxi Stand to the SDM Office was organised to welcome the officers, with participation from councillors Abdul Samadh and Abdul Wahid, officials, religious heads, students, youth and the general public.
Addressing the gathering, DC Kacho called the district status a landmark achievement and highlighted Drass’ strategic importance as the Gateway to Ladakh and the world’s second coldest inhabited place. He said his immediate priorities would focus on strengthening education, health and tourism sectors and announced plans to personally visit schools from Matayen to Kharboo.
SP Ishtiyaq Ahmed Kacho assured accessible and people-friendly policing, youth engagement and efforts to make Drass a drug-free district.
The assumption of charge by the new district officers marks the formal beginning of administrative functioning in Ladakh’s five newly created districts, with residents expressing hope for faster governance, improved public services and stronger grassroots development.
