Creation of Ladakh an internal Indian matter: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said the creation of Ladakh as independent Union Territory to be governed by the Centre is an internal matter of India.

PM Ranil Wickremesinghe

The Indian Government on Monday revoked Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and moved a separate bill to split the state into two union territories of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

The move sparked jubilation in Buddhist-dominated Leh town, for coming close to the fulfilment of their long-standing demand.

“Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist, it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit.” Wickremesinghe tweeted on Tuesday. 

The Indian Government on Monday announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory, but without a legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi.