Flays Political and Developmental Neglect of the Region
SRINAGAR , FEBRUARY,02 :
Senior PDP leader Mohd Rafique Rather on Thursday strongly demanded the establishment of a full-fledged Law University in North Kashnir at Baramulla, stating that such an institution is long overdue and essential to address the decades-long political, educational and developmental neglect of entire North Kashmir.
In a press statement, Rafique Rather said it is deeply unfortunate that while Central and South Kashmir continue to receive premier educational institutions, North Kashmir has been systematically sidelined by successive governments, particularly under the long spells of National Conference rule. He pointed out that the University of Kashmir in Srinagar, Central University in Ganderbal, Islamia University Awantipora, and now even proposals for a Law University elsewhere clearly expose a regionally biased and discriminatory development approach.
“For the last 70–75 years, Baramulla has been pacified with nothing more than satellite or affiliated campuses. The core demand today is simple, justified and constitutional, a main Law University must be established in Baramulla to serve North Kashmir,” he asserted.
Rafique Rather emphasized that a Law University in Baramulla would cater to the entire North Kashmir region, expand access to quality legal education, generate employment, and act as a catalyst for socio-economic growth. “Are the youth of North Kashmir less deserving? Why are opportunities repeatedly diverted elsewhere?” he questioned.
Highlighting the chronic neglect in the health sector, the PDP leader said that major health command, referral and administrative institutions remain concentrated in Central and South Kashmir, forcing residents of Baramulla and adjoining districts to travel long distances for advanced treatment. This imbalance, he said, has adversely affected public health outcomes in North Kashmir.
Rather said that every government other than the PDP has exploited North Kashmir politically, using the region merely as a vote bank while denying it institutions of permanence and dignity. “It is a matter of record that whatever limited developmental footprint North Kashmir has today was laid during PDP-led governments, whereas successive NC regimes reduced the region to slogans, symbolism and neglect,” he said.
Taking a dig at the present NC-led dispensation, Rather said it is ironic that despite enjoying six out of seven Assembly seats in Baramulla, with the remaining seat held by its alliance partner, the district continues to languish without any major developmental breakthrough.
“Despite overwhelming political representation, Baramulla has been reduced to cosmetic governance. Gullible people are offered lollipops in the form of electric poles, retaining walls, tiled footpaths and hollow promises, while transformative institutions like universities and major hospitals are deliberately denied,” he said.
Rather strongly criticised the continued political exploitation of Baramulla, stating that leaders who rose to power from the district—particularly under successive NC governments—have historically prioritised personal interests and nepotism over public welfare. “Baramulla is treated merely as a security zone fit for depots and camps, while centres of learning, health and development are reserved for other regions,” he remarked.
Urging the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha to take immediate cognisance, Rather said announcing a Law University in Baramulla would be a historic and corrective step towards ending regional imbalance and addressing the long-standing neglect of North Kashmir.
“This is not a concession; it is the legitimate right of the people of Baramulla,” he said.
The PDP leader further urged PDP legislators to forcefully raise the issue during the upcoming Budget Session, and appealed to all legislators from North Kashmir, cutting across party lines, to rise above partisan politics and support the demand in the larger interest of the region. He also called upon political parties, social groups and civil society organisations of North Kashmir to unite and raise a collective voice for the establishment of a Law University in Baramulla, terming it a decisive step towards justice, equity and inclusive development.