“It is not about dividing Jammu and Kashmir. The aim is to ensure grassroots governance and decentralisation. The Chenab region, for instance, is far-flung and faces several challenges. Creating a separate division in Rajouri would benefit everyone,” MLA Para said.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by residents of remote areas, noting that people often have to travel long distances for basic administrative work. “If we are capable of decentralising governance, there is no reason not to do it. It will improve accessibility,” he said.
The PDP leader called for the creation of a separate division for the Chenab region and another for the Pir Panchal region in Rajouri. He also advocated setting up new districts, including one in Ashmukam to better manage yatra tourism. Para pointed out that areas like Sopore, Handwara, and Tral already have police districts and deserve full administrative status.
He further stated that if required, delimitation could be undertaken to increase the number of MLAs and Lok Sabha seats, adding that the discussion is part of a long-term process.
“This is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. We have initiated a discussion on administrative decentralisation in Jammu and Kashmir with the aim of ensuring effective and grassroots governance,” he added. (Agency)
