SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has called for significant administrative reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, including the creation of new districts and robust protection for the land rights of vulnerable communities.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Mufti, who was traveling from Jammu to Srinagar, stated that an outreach exercise conducted by the PDP revealed widespread public demand for improved administrative access and the establishment of new districts across various regions of the Union Territory.
The PDP chief highlighted specific areas such as Banihal, Bhaderwah, Chenani, Bani, Basohli, Billawar, Nowshera, Kotranka, Uri, Sopore, Gool-Gulabgarh, and Handwara, where residents have expressed a strong desire for district status. She argued that such administrative reorganisation would bring governance closer to the populace and expedite developmental initiatives.
Mufti drew attention to the particular challenges faced by geographically remote regions, including the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal areas. She noted that these regions suffer from inadequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of road connectivity, due to their distance from administrative centres.
She identified areas like Marwah-Warwan as being among the most neglected and in urgent need of government attention and resources. The PDP President also raised significant concerns regarding land security, stating that apprehensions among the public have heightened since the abrogation of Article 370.
Many individuals, particularly those from economically weaker sections and tribal communities, reportedly fear the potential loss of their land. Mufti recalled that a bill was previously introduced in the Assembly aimed at safeguarding the rights of the poor and tribal populations in this regard.
Allegations were made that tribal communities have faced displacement from forest lands, and economically weaker families constructing modest homes have encountered demolitions. Mufti expressed hope that the government would address these grievances with seriousness and implement concrete measures to ensure equitable development across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk