ibn sultan
JAMMU: Amid uproarious scenes and repeated adjournments over the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, a key revelation during the disrupted question hour in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has stirred fresh political debate.
In a written response to a question raised by PDP MLA Waheed Parra, the government disclosed that over 83,000 domicile certificates have been issued to non-state subjects in Jammu and Kashmir over the last two years. The total number of domicile certificates issued during this period stands at 35,12,184, with 83,742 of these granted to individuals who are not original residents of the erstwhile state.
Waheed Parra, PDP youth leader, on the very first day in Jammu Kashmir assembly, his debut intervention on November 4, 2024.
The disclosure, although overshadowed by the commotion in the House, has reignited concerns among regional parties.
The question hour was swiftly consumed by fierce protests from National Conference (NC) legislators over the Waqf bill, with repeated sloganeering and interruptions. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather initially attempted to continue with proceedings but eventually adjourned the House for the day.
Opposition leaders accused the Speaker of suppressing debate both on the Waqf issue and other substantive matters like domicile policy. “This is not just about the Waqf Board. It’s about transparency and accountability on all fronts. The government is silently redrawing the social fabric of this region,” said Parra.
The latest domicile figures are expected to feature prominently in future debates, with opposition parties preparing to raise the matter again once the House resumes functioning.
As the Assembly limps through one of its most turbulent sessions in recent years, the issue of domicile distribution, particularly to non-state subjects — is likely to remain a politically sensitive flashpoint in the days ahead.
