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- Stresses Urdu’s administrative and cultural significance in governance
SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday asserted that Urdu remains the official language of Jammu & Kashmir and has historically played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. He said any attempt to sideline the language would undermine the region’s cultural and administrative heritage.
Reacting to the recent controversy surrounding Urdu, Yaseen said the government must issue a clear and formal statement instead of relying on what he termed as “verbal and hollow assurances.” He stressed that an official clarification is necessary to end confusion and prevent further politicisation of the issue.
“Politics is being played over the language issue to serve vested interests. The government must come forward with an official statement so that this unnecessary controversy can be resolved,” he said.
Highlighting Urdu’s administrative importance, Yaseen said the language continues to be crucial for governance in Jammu & Kashmir. He pointed out that a large number of land records dating back to the era of Maharaja Hari Singh are in Urdu, and even recent digitisation efforts rely heavily on these documents.
He expressed concern that several village records are still missing or incomplete and urged the government to take immediate steps to address the issue. “The government must ensure proper preservation, digitisation, and accessibility of these records so that people do not face difficulties in land-related matters,” he added.
Yaseen further emphasized that Urdu is not merely a language but a symbol of inclusivity and shared cultural identity in Jammu & Kashmir. He said it has historically served as a bridge connecting diverse communities across regions. “For the inclusive and cultural fabric of Jammu & Kashmir, Urdu is essential. It must continue to be used in government departments as an official language,” he said.
Calling for a balanced and sensitive approach, the PDP leader urged policymakers to safeguard linguistic diversity while ensuring administrative efficiency. He reiterated that preserving Urdu is vital not only for governance but also for maintaining the region’s rich cultural legacy. Yaseen appealed to all stakeholders to refrain from politicising the issue and instead work towards strengthening unity and mutual respect among communities.
