PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday renewed her demand for division-level status for the Pir Panjal region, saying it is essential to end years of administrative hardship faced by the people.
Speaking at the party’s citizen outreach programme Gal Baat in Jammu, Mehbooba Mufti said residents of the Pir Panjal belt, including Rajouri and Poonch, are forced to travel repeatedly to Srinagar or Jammu even for basic official work. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
She said granting Pir Panjal its own division, with a Divisional Commissioner and senior administrative officers posted locally, would bring governance closer to the people and reduce unnecessary difficulties.
“The people of Pir Panjal should not have to run from pillar to post between the two capitals for routine administrative issues,” Mehbooba said. “A separate division with its own officers will give real relief and dignity to the region.”
The demand for division status for Pir Panjal is not new. The region, known for its difficult terrain, border location, and scattered villages, has long complained of neglect in administration and development. Similar demands gained momentum after Ladakh was granted separate division status in 2019.
At that time, Mehbooba Mufti had welcomed Ladakh’s elevation but questioned why regions like Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley were left out, despite facing similar geographical and administrative challenges.
During the Gal Baat event, which focused on open and non-political interaction with youth, Mehbooba praised young participants for openly discussing local problems. She used the platform to underline that Rajouri and Poonch are too large and complex to be managed with limited administrative machinery.
The Pir Panjal region is home to diverse communities, including Gujjars, Paharis, and others, many of whom live in remote border areas with poor connectivity, harsh weather, and security concerns. Leaders supporting the demand say division status would help improve planning for healthcare, education, roads, and employment.
Mehbooba’s remarks have been widely shared on social media by Peoples Democratic Party supporters, with many residents hoping the government will take serious note of the long-pending demand.
For people in Pir Panjal, a separate division is seen not just as an administrative change, but as a step towards fairer governance and equal development in Jammu and Kashmir.
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