Overview
- Jammu and Kashmir minister Javed Rana said the Centre has “no other alternative” and that the “day is not far” when Ladakh becomes part of a united Jammu and Kashmir.
- He made the remarks while fielding a question about demands for a separate Jammu state and said there is no broad public push for new carve‑outs in regions like Pir Panjal or the erstwhile Chenab.
- Rana referenced past divisions, invoking Gilgit‑Baltistan and a local example of Kanak Mandi to criticize proposals for further fragmentation.
- The minister, who holds the Jal Shakti, forest, ecology and environment, and Tribal Affairs portfolios, spoke on the sidelines of an interaction with tribal communities.
- Ladakh remains a Union Territory following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state, and no change was announced alongside Rana’s statement as carried by PTI and other outlets.