Jammu and Kashmir, India — As the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections draws near, the manifestos of major political parties have conspicuously omitted the long-standing demands for a separate divisional status and a Hill Development Council for the Chenab Valley, a region in Jammu and Kashmir.
The omission has sparked criticism from local leaders and activists, who see this as a significant departure from previous commitments made by parties like the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). These demands, which have been central to the political discourse in the Chenab Valley, seem to have been sidelined in the manifestos released ahead of the elections, set to begin on September 18.
On the last day of filing nominations for the first phase on August 27, the political landscape of the Chenab Valley became clearer. In Kishtwar district, a total of 13 candidates filed nominations for the 48-Inderwal Assembly Constituency (AC), 11 candidates for the 49-Kishtwar AC, and 8 candidates for the 50-Padder-Nagseni AC. In Doda district, 16 candidates filed nominations for the 51-Bhadarwah AC, 16 for the 52-Doda AC, and 9 for the 53-Doda West AC. Meanwhile, in Ramban district, 13 candidates filed nominations for the 54-Ramban AC, and 10 for the 55-Banihal AC.
Despite the significant number of candidates vying for these seats, none have made the demand for a separate divisional status or the establishment of a Hill Development Council for the Chenab Valley a central part of their platforms. While some candidates have mentioned these issues in their speeches, they are notably absent from the official manifestos. For example, a PDP candidate from the 52-Doda AC made a passing reference to Chenab Valley's divisional status in his speech, alongside promises such as reservation in NHPC employment, free electricity, a ban on alcohol, and compulsory education in Arabic and Sanskrit. His message, despite grammatical errors, highlights the desire to push for divisional status, yet this demand is not prominently featured in his party’s formal agenda.
The demand for a separate administrative division for J&K’s Chenab Valley—which encompasses the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban—has a long history. The movement gained traction in 2014 when large-scale protests erupted in Doda. The agitation resurfaced in 2018 and 2019, particularly after the Ladakh region was granted divisional status. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the JKNC even included the creation of separate divisions for Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal region in his party’s political agenda during this period.
The push for divisional status stems from allegations of developmental neglect when the Chenab Valley remains linked to the Jammu division. Advocates argue that the unique geographic, cultural, and socio-economic characteristics of the region necessitate separate governance structures to ensure equitable development. The proposed division would include six assembly constituencies and has been a rallying point for both social and political activists.
Similarly, the demand for a Hill Development Council, which dates back to 1996 when then-Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah promised administrative autonomy for the region, has seen little progress. Despite the presentation of a bill in 2000 for its establishment and subsequent promises, including the Chenab Valley Development Fund announced by then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 2015, the initiative has largely remained dormant.
The absence of these critical demands in the current election manifestos is seen as a retreat from the commitments made by political parties in previous years. “This is a clear indication that the parties are not serious about the development and autonomy of the Chenab Valley,” said a local activist from Doda. “Despite the rhetoric, the issues that matter most to the people of this region have been pushed aside once again.”
As the campaign intensifies, the question remains whether these issues will be addressed before voters head to the polls, or if the Chenab Valley’s demands for divisional status and a Hill Development Council will continue to be ignored. The lack of attention to these demands may have significant implications for voter sentiment in this strategically important region of Jammu and Kashmir.
(Anzer Ayoob is a Chenabi Kashmiri journalist and author based in Jammu and Kashmir. He is the founder of The Chenab Times. He can be reached at conncect@anzerayoob.com)
