Jammu, Feb 8 (IANS): In a landmark decision, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday declared Ladakh as the third administrative division of the state.

An order issued by Governor Satya Pal Malik's administration said: "The government has approved the creation of a separate administrative/revenue division for Ladakh.

"The division will comprise Leh and Kargil districts. Leh will be the division's headquarters."

The creation of two posts of Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been sanctioned for the new division.

The order also approved the setting up of a committee under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary to government, planning, development and monitoring department to identify the posts of divisional level heads of various departments that may be required for the new division; particularly their staffing pattern, roles and responsibilities and proposed location of these offices.

At present, the administrative affairs of Ladakh were being looked after by divisional administration of the Kashmir Valley.

For long, the people of Ladakh had been demanding the creation of a separate administrative or revenue division.