Chenab Times Foundation backs divisional status for J&K's Chenab Valley, cites regional aspirations and historical context

DODA: In a significant development aimed at reviving the longstanding demand for equitable regional representation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chenab Times Foundation (CTF), a registered public trust working for the socio-cultural upliftment of Chenab Valley, has issued a formal statement reiterating its support for granting Divisional Status to the region comprising Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts.

The statement, issued by CTF President Anzer Ayoob, comes at a time when regional autonomy and decentralization are again surfacing in public discourse, particularly in light of administrative challenges and developmental disparities across the Union Territory.

The foundation emphasized that Chenab Valley—referred to as Wadi-e-Chenab in Urdu—has remained historically and geographically distinct from the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The region’s unique cultural identity, topographical complexity, and developmental needs require focused governance and dedicated administrative machinery, the foundation argued.

"The Chenabi people have consistently demonstrated resilience, unity, and a sense of belonging rooted in the region’s distinct identity. Their long-pending demand for Divisional Status is not just a call for administrative convenience but a cry for recognition and justice," said Ayoob.

Referencing Historical Recommendations

The statement draws indirect but thoughtful reference to the 1999 “Regional Autonomy Committee Report,” which recommended decentralization and reconstitution of Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative structure into eight regional councils. The Chenab Valley was one of the specifically demarcated regions in that report.

Though the report was never formally implemented, it continues to serve as a reference point in discussions around internal autonomy and balanced development. The CTF’s press release called parts of the report "visionary," suggesting that it offered a practical framework to ensure inclusive governance, especially for remote and hilly areas like Chenab Valley.

Broader Implications

Observers say the revival of the demand underlines not just regional aspirations but also the broader national conversation around decentralization, inclusion, and sub-regional justice in governance.

“The establishment of a separate administrative division for Chenab Valley would enhance focused development, improve governance in remote regions, and recognize the ethnolinguistic and cultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement noted.

The Chenab Times Foundation’s advocacy is likely to energize civil society groups, student organizations, and local political entities in the region who have long raised the demand but lacked a consolidated voice at the state or national level.

Ensuring Representation and Efficiency

Ayoob further stressed that administrative over-centralization has historically hindered development in mountainous and rural districts like Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. “Recognizing the Chenabi identity through Divisional Status is essential to ensure that governance reaches the grassroots,” he said.

The foundation also urged authorities to revisit expert recommendations and hold consultations with local stakeholders, academics, and social groups to finalize an inclusive road map for administrative restructuring.

Link to Official Release

The full statement can be accessed on the Foundation’s official Twitter (X) handle: https://x.com/CTFTOrg/status/1910626320259723395

About Chenab Times Foundation:
CTF is a registered public trust in Jammu and Kashmir working to promote the cultural, linguistic, and social rights of the Chenab Valley.