ibn sultan
Jammu, Jan 20 : People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday urged the National Conference (NC) to clearly state its position on the long-pending demand for granting divisional status to the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions, asserting that the issue is rooted in administrative necessity rather than political rhetoric.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Mufti said the demand was “absolutely genuine” in view of the difficult terrain, fragile ecology, scattered habitations and inadequate access to basic services in both regions.
“Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley have suffered serious administrative neglect. Their challenging topography, exposure to environmental hazards and distance from decision-making centres make divisional status the need of the hour. Governance must reach people at their doorstep, particularly in border and mountainous areas,” she said.
Mufti accused both the National Conference and the BJP of being on the “same page” in criticising the PDP for raising the issue. Calling it ironic, she said parties that had earlier divided regions for political convenience were now questioning the PDP for speaking up for marginalised communities.
Drawing a historical parallel, Mufti responded to allegations linking her demand to the Dixon Plan by reminding NC president Farooq Abdullah that Sheikh Abdullah’s alleged covert support for the Dixon Plan had led to his arrest in 1953. “Today, legitimate demands for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley are once again being portrayed as divisive,” she said.
The PDP chief alleged that the BJP, under the pretext of delimitation, had weakened the political and administrative interests of the Pir Panjal region and, by extension, the Chenab Valley. She said such decisions were driven by narrow electoral considerations rather than public welfare.
Emphasising Jammu and Kashmir’s sensitivity as a border region, Mufti said areas like Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley face compounded challenges, including environmental risks, strategic vulnerabilities and poor infrastructure, all of which require focused administrative attention.
She said governments must prioritise people’s rights and dignity after securing electoral mandates. “Instead of addressing genuine grievances, the PDP is being targeted simply for raising the voice of those who have remained unheard for decades,” she said.
Mufti reiterated that the demand for divisional status for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley is about fairness, effective governance and administrative justice, not politics, and asserted that the PDP would continue to stand with the people of both regions.
