Speaking as a socio-cultural activist and journalist deeply rooted in the heart of Chenab Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, I have experienced first-hand the unique challenges this region faces. The terrain, weather, and unique socio-cultural demands of the Chenab Valley set it apart from other parts of the state and indeed, the country. Yet, we have remained underrepresented and mismanaged due to the absence of a separate divisional status and a dedicated Hill Development Council. This status quo is unsustainable and even detrimental to our growth and overall welfare. We plead to the Government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir Administration to consider reevaluating the current political and administrative structure that binds us. This petition calls for either establishing Chenab Valley as a separate division along with a Hill Development Council or, alternatively, merging it with the Kashmir division. We urge stakeholders, policymakers, and all conscientious citizens to carefully consider the unique challenges of Chenab Valley in making this critical decision. Let us all stand for a sustainable and socially just Chenab Valley. Sign this petition today and support our cause for fair representation and effective development.

 

 

 

 

 

More Information:

We, the people of Chenab Valley, urgently demand the establishment of a separate divisional status and hill development council to address our unique regional needs and accelerate development for our mountainous and diverse area. Alternatively, we request consideration for our merger with the Kashmir division if a divisional status and development council are not feasible at this time.

 

 

Why Does Chenab Valley Need Separate Divisional Status?

Chenab Valley, sometimes referred to as the Chenab region, Chenab area, or Doda belt, has been advocating for divisional status and development council since the 1990s. Despite this ongoing demand, Chenab Valley remains underdeveloped. In 2019, Ladakh—now a Union Territory with a population of just 274,289—was granted a separate divisional status, breaking away from the Kashmir division. Chenab Valley, with close to 1 million people, was again overlooked.

The Case for Divisional Status and a Hill Development Council

1. Unique Cultural Identity:

• According to the 2011 Census, approximately 50% of Chenab Valley's population is ethnically Kashmiri, with over 48% speaking Kashmiri as their first language. These residents feel a strong cultural connection to the Kashmir region, which has a distinct cultural identity compared to Jammu. 

2. Geographic Challenges and Infrastructure Backlogs:

• Chenab Valley's mountainous landscape creates logistical challenges, and the current divisional headquarters in Jammu (in the plains) is impractical for administering such a remote region.
• Infrastructure development has been slow, resulting in inadequate road safety, underfunded healthcare facilities, and poorly maintained school buildings. Roads are notoriously dangerous, with accident fatalities recorded every year.

3. Education and Health Care Neglect:

• Education: Government schools in Chenab Valley often lack quality teaching, creating a detrimental environment where students are treated as labor rather than learners. Consequently, students often drop out and take up menial jobs.
• Health Care: Hospitals are frequently underequipped and understaffed. Many hospitals serve only as “referral hospitals,” meaning that serious cases must be transferred to far-off locations. This lack of basic healthcare infrastructure is dangerous, especially in a mountainous region.

4. Historical Discrimination and Development Disparities:

• Chenab Valley, despite its cultural ties with Jammu, faces discrimination and neglect in resource allocation. Although Jammu division is generally developed, Chenab Valley has remained among the most backward areas due to administrative delays and oversight.
• Divisional status could give Chenab Valley a dedicated administrative focus to address these issues, ensuring fair and adequate development, infrastructure, and health facilities.

Merger with Kashmir Division: An Alternative Path

If divisional status and a hill development council cannot be granted, we urge that the Chenab Valley region be considered for merging with the Kashmir division. Given the strong ethnic and linguistic ties between Chenab Valley and Kashmir, this merger could foster a sense of unity and expedite developmental processes in line with Kashmir’s relatively advanced infrastructure and administration.

In Summary:

The people of Chenab Valley call for:

1. Separate Divisional Status and Hill Development Council to facilitate focused and responsive administration.
2. If the above demands cannot be met, we request merger with the Kashmir division as an alternative, based on cultural and geographical alignment and shared identity.

Our goal is simple: to achieve equitable development, efficient infrastructure, improved health services, and quality education in Chenab Valley. This petition represents the voices of nearly 1 million residents who have been left behind in terms of infrastructure and economic growth. We hope the government will recognize the importance of our demands and work towards fulfilling them to bring development, equality, and hope to our region.

Sign this petition to support the call for separate divisional status and hill development council for Chenab Valley.