Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has firmly addressed the growing debate surrounding the proposed location of a National Law University (NLU) in the Union Territory. He questioned the motives behind the current controversy, pointing to the establishment of other premier institutions in the Jammu region in the past.
A Call to Avoid Politicising Education
Speaking on Monday, Chief Minister Abdullah expressed his dismay that some quarters were attempting to create a dispute over the potential setting up of the NLU in Kashmir. He challenged the narrative of discrimination by recalling the allocation of other major educational institutes. "When Jammu got IIT and the IIM, what did Kashmir get at that time?" he asked rhetorically. He further questioned why there was no demand for equality then, suggesting one institute should have been opened in Jammu and the other in Kashmir.
"You did not feel bad when both were opened in Jammu, and now, when it comes to the issue of National Law University, you see discrimination [if it were to come up in Kashmir]," Abdullah stated, without naming any specific individuals or groups. He emphasised that the issue of establishing new educational institutions should not be politicised, as it ultimately benefits the students of the entire region.
Announcement and the Ensuing Political Row
The Chief Minister's remarks come against the backdrop of a demand from various student groups and organisations in Jammu for the NLU to be established in their region. This demand gained momentum after an announcement made by Abdullah during the autumn session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
In response to a resolution moved by Congress MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, the Chief Minister had announced that the NLU would start functioning from April 2026. He clarified that it would initially operate from temporary facilities in Ompora, Budgam. Abdullah stressed the urgency of starting the institution, noting that students from Jammu and Kashmir currently have to leave the Union Territory to pursue legal education.
He had also clarified that a final decision on the permanent campus location was still pending and would be taken later. Following this announcement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a complaint with the Election Commission. They alleged that Abdullah violated the Model Code of Conduct because the statement was made after the announcement of an Assembly byelection in the Budgam constituency.
Clarifying the Current Status
In his latest statement, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought to clear the air, confirming that a final decision on the permanent location of the proposed NLU has not yet been taken. His comments aimed to redirect the focus towards the educational imperative rather than a regional tug-of-war. The underlying message was a plea for equitable development across both Jammu and Kashmir regions, without letting political considerations hinder academic progress.
