Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 6: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs Javed Rana on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir has already faced multiple divisions and warned that any further fragmentation would harm its stability and unity.
Talking to reporters here, Rana said, “There is no public demand for separate statehood from the Pir Panjal or Chenab regions. The focus should remain on inclusive development rather than political separation.”
Rana recalled past divisions of the region. “There was a time when Jammu and Kashmir was a full-fledged state, extending up to the borders. People across regions were emotionally connected. Parts went to Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan was given to Pakistan, and Ladakh was separated,” he said.
He questioned the logic behind new statehood proposals. “Those who earlier divided J&K are now talking about creating new states. How many Pir Panjal regions or Chenab regions exist?”
Rana reiterated that the strength of Jammu and Kashmir lies in unity. “The government is committed to tribal empowerment and inclusive development. Further split will only harm the region,” he said, adding, “The only workable solution is to keep J&K united.”
Reiterating that government is committed to empower tribal communities, Rana said, “At the start of this New Year, we organised an interaction programme with tribal communities in Kashmir province. The initiative was aimed at directly hearing from tribal people about their issues and needs.”
He said education remained the government’s top priority in tribal areas. “Our focus is to remove the burden of educational deprivation. Tribal hostels are being upgraded and new ones established. Education is the key to empowerment,” he said.
Rana listed ongoing initiatives, including the Dhardi Aba scheme to uplift marginalized communities, and highlighted efforts to promote eco-tourism, homestays, and border tourism to ensure sustainable livelihoods.
He said development must reach communities living in remote and border areas, including Shina, Balti, Pahari, and Gujjar–Bakarwal populations.
The Minister said institutional mechanisms had been strengthened for better delivery of welfare schemes. “We are ensuring effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act. District-level Forest Rights Committees have been formed, and a Project Monitoring Unit under the Tribal Research Institute has been created to handle research, policy, and execution,” he said.
Acknowledging ongoing challenges in essential services, Rana said clean drinking water remained a concern even in Srinagar. “We are working on completing projects in Sajki and Amritsar areas to improve supply,” he said. (KNO)
