Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Jan 13: Senior Congress leader from Kishtwar, Usman Bagwan, has strongly demanded the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in the Chenab Valley, asserting that the region has remained deprived of its legitimate rights and fair share of development for decades.
As the debate for establishment of National Law University heat up between Jammu & Srinagar, Congress leader Usman Bagwan said that the demand for an NLU in Chenab Valley stems from a long history of neglect and marginalisation faced by the region, despite its vast human potential and strategic importance. He maintained that access to premier institutions like a National Law University is not a privilege but a rightful entitlement of the people of Chenab Valley, including the districts of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban.
“The people of Chenab Valley have consistently been denied equal opportunities in higher education and institutional development. Establishing a National Law University here would be a step towards correcting historical injustices and ensuring inclusive growth,” Bagwan said.
He further pointed out that while other regions have benefited from major central and national-level institutions over the years, Chenab Valley continues to lag behind in educational infrastructure, forcing students to migrate outside the region for professional studies, particularly in law. According to him, this not only places a financial burden on families but also limits opportunities for talented youth from remote and mountainous areas.
The demand comes at a time when the Jammu and Kashmir government has already announced plans to establish a National Law University in the Union Territory, with preparatory work underway. However, the permanent location of the proposed NLU has not yet been finalised, triggering a wider debate across different regions of J&K regarding its placement.
While discussions have largely revolved around Jammu and Kashmir divisions, leaders from Chenab Valley argue that their region must not be overlooked once again. Usman Bagwan stressed that Chenab Valley deserves serious consideration in the decision-making process, keeping in view regional balance, accessibility for remote populations, and equitable distribution of institutions.
Bagwan also urged the administration to adopt a region-sensitive and justice-oriented approach, rather than allowing political or regional bias to influence the final decision. He added that locating an NLU in Chenab Valley would not only uplift the region educationally but also generate employment, improve legal awareness, and strengthen the justice delivery ecosystem in hilly and far-flung areas.
Appealing to political parties, civil society organisations, student bodies and legal fraternities, Bagwan called for collective and united support for the demand. He said sustained public pressure and constructive dialogue are essential to ensure that Chenab Valley gets its due share in the overall development framework of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The establishment of a National Law University in Chenab Valley would send a strong message that development in J&K is inclusive and balanced. It would restore faith among the people that their voices matter,” he asserted.
The demand is expected to further intensify the ongoing discourse on regional equity and institutional distribution in Jammu and Kashmir as the government moves closer to finalising the roadmap for the proposed National Law University.
