GARKONE: Residents of Aryan Valley on Sunday celebrated its inclusion under the newly constituted Sham District, describing the development as the culmination of a long-standing demand aimed at bringing the culturally distinct region under a unified administrative framework after decades of separation.
The celebration, held at Changra in Garkone village, witnessed the participation of large numbers of residents from Dha, Darchik and Garkone, alongside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and public representatives, who termed the move a major administrative step expected to strengthen governance and facilitate focused development in the region.
Addressing the gathering, BJP Ladakh President Tashi Gyaltson Khachu congratulated the people of Aryan Valley and Ladakh on the recent creation of seven districts in the Union Territory. He said the administrative reforms reflected the Centre’s efforts to improve governance and bring public services closer to the people.
Khachu highlighted that Ladakh had witnessed a series of institutional changes in recent years, including the grant of Union Territory and divisional status, followed by district-level restructuring. He urged residents to remain united and work collectively towards preserving the unique cultural identity and heritage of the Aryan Valley while pursuing developmental goals.
Former Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyaltson, described the occasion as a historic reunion of Aryan Valley nearly 46 years after its administrative division in 1979. He said the region’s distinctive cultural traditions and social identity necessitated a unified administrative structure to ensure effective governance and preservation of its heritage.
Referring to the developmental trajectory of Ladakh in recent years, he said administrative reforms had created new opportunities for infrastructure development and public welfare. He expressed confidence that inclusion in Sham District would help address long-pending concerns of the region and improve access to government services.
Nominated Councillor from Silmo, Regzin Gurmet, credited the achievement to sustained efforts by community leaders, public representatives and the BJP leadership. He expressed hope that the aspirations of the people of Aryan Valley, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and socio-economic development, would receive greater attention in the coming years.
During the event, local representatives submitted a memorandum to BJP leaders outlining developmental demands and priorities of the region. The programme also witnessed several residents joining the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders.
The celebration concluded with residents expressing optimism that the administrative reunification would strengthen development planning, improve governance and help preserve the unique cultural legacy of the Aryan Valley.
