SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked the National Conference to clearly spell out its position on the long pending demand for divisional status for the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions, saying the issue stems from administrative necessity rather than political considerations.
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. She said the geographical and environmental challenges faced by Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley require a governance structure that brings administration closer to the people.
Mufti said both regions have suffered sustained administrative neglect, arguing that distance from decision making centres and vulnerability to natural hazards have compounded the problems of residents. She said divisional status would help ensure more responsive governance, particularly in border and mountainous areas.
The PDP chief accused the National Conference and the Bharatiya Janata Party of adopting a similar stance in criticising her party for raising the issue. She said it was ironic that parties which, according to her, had supported regional divisions for political convenience were now questioning the PDP for highlighting long standing grievances of marginalised areas.
Referring to criticism directed at her over alleged support for the Dixon Plan, Mufti invoked a historical parallel involving Farooq Abdullah’s father Sheikh Abdullah, saying covert support for the plan in the past had led to serious political consequences. She alleged that even legitimate administrative demands were now being portrayed as divisive.
Mufti further alleged that decisions taken by the BJP, including those related to delimitation, had weakened the political and administrative interests of Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley. She said such steps were driven by electoral considerations rather than the welfare of the people living in these regions.
Emphasising Jammu and Kashmir’s strategic location as a border region, Mufti said areas such as Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley face compounded challenges due to environmental risks, strategic vulnerabilities and lack of infrastructure, which require focused administrative attention.
She said raising the demand for divisional status was about fairness, dignity and effective governance, not politics. Mufti added that the PDP would continue to press for administrative justice and equal opportunities for the people of both regions.
