...To be largest Union Territory

New Delhi, August 5

Jammu and Kashmir will be the largest union territory (UT) in the country in terms of area once it is carved out, following the Centre’s move to bifurcate the state.

Ladakh will be the second largest UT after it comes into force. There has been a long pending demand from a section of people of Ladakh to turn it into a union territory.

With this, the total number of UTs in the country will go up to nine — J&K, Ladakh, Delhi, Puducherry, Diu and Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Currently, only two UTs — Delhi and Puducherry — have Legislative Assemblies. With addition of J&K, the number will go up to three. UTs with Legislative Assemblies have Lt Governors. — PTI

Voices

Any move that seeks to strengthen the integrity of India is  welcome. But in a democracy, decisions must be made by consensus, not by force or fear.  — Akhilesh Yadav, SP Chief