PDP Legislator's Bill Proposing Major J&K Administrative Overhaul Draws Fire
SRINAGAR: A private member's bill introduced by PDP legislator Waheed Parra, which seeks a significant reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir's administrative structure, has ignited a fierce political debate. The proposed legislation, titled the Jammu and Kashmir Territorial Administrative Reorganisation Bill, aims to create 16 new districts and establish two additional divisions in the Jammu region. This move has been met with scathing criticism from both the governing National Conference (NC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who have questioned the underlying motives behind the proposal.
Bill Details and Political Backlash
Parra submitted the bill to the Assembly secretariat, arguing that it is designed to "improve governance and administrative reach" across the Union Territory. Currently, J&K is divided into two divisions—Jammu and Kashmir—each comprising 10 districts. The bill proposes carving out eight new districts in both the Kashmir and Jammu regions, effectively doubling the number of districts. Additionally, it calls for the creation of two new divisions in Jammu: Chenab and Pir Panjal.
However, the NC has condemned the bill as a "deliberate attempt to arouse public opinion and sabotage the government's intent to empower sub-regions." NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar accused the PDP of undermining ongoing government efforts to enhance regional empowerment. He pointed out that during the PDP-BJP coalition government in 2016-17, a similar set of recommendations from an expert committee was rejected. Dar questioned why the PDP, which lacks the legislative strength to pass such proposals, is pushing this agenda now, labeling it a "sabotage bill" intended to create distrust among the populace.
BJP Aligns Proposal with ISI Agenda
The BJP has taken a more severe stance, alleging that the bill's proposals align with the agenda of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to create a 'Greater Kashmir.' BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur argued that the terms "Chenab Valley" and "Pir Panjal" for the proposed divisions are part of a historical design from the 1990s to merge Muslim-majority areas with Kashmir. He stated, "We do not accept these terms. This was part of ISI design to carve out a 'Greater Kashmir.' PDP is working on the same agenda. We will not allow it."
Thakur further criticized the bill for focusing solely on dividing Jammu, noting that Kashmir has three traditional regions—Maraz (south Kashmir), Kamraz (north Kashmir), and central Kashmir—yet the bill does not propose creating corresponding divisions there. However, he conceded that there might be a case for creating three new districts in Kashmir, suggesting that existing police districts in the Valley could be upgraded if necessary.
Social Media Impact and Broader Implications
The bill has gained significant traction on social media, fueling public discourse and forcing political parties to articulate their positions. This controversy highlights the sensitive nature of administrative changes in J&K, where geopolitical tensions and historical conflicts often influence policy debates. The PDP's move, while framed as an effort to enhance governance, has been interpreted by rivals as a politically motivated maneuver that could exacerbate regional divisions.
As the debate continues, the bill's fate remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly stirred a robust conversation about the future of administrative structures in Jammu & Kashmir. The responses from NC and BJP underscore the deep-seated political rivalries and ideological differences that shape governance in the region, making any proposed reorganization a contentious issue.
