Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Jan 31: Former Minister and vice president, Jammu and Kashmir BJP, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali on Tuesday reiterated the long-standing demands of the people of the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch for the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) at Rajouri and for the inclusion of Rajouri-Poonch under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
He was addressing a press conference here, along with Manzoor Ahmed Naik, State general secretary, ST Morcha, and Mohd Arif Ranja, former Chairman, Municipal Council Rajouri. They unanimously endorsed the demands and expressed solidarity with the aspirations of the people of the region.
Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali highlighted the strategic significance of Rajouri-Poonch as a sensitive border belt adjoining the Line of Control (LoC), marked by difficult terrain, socio-economic challenges, and a long history of sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the nation. He said that despite these realities, the region continues to suffer from chronic institutional and educational neglect.
He asserted that the establishment of a National Law University at Rajouri is a justified and urgent requirement. “An NLU at Rajouri will provide access to world-class legal education for students of Rajouri-Poonch and adjoining areas, who are otherwise compelled to migrate to distant states. It will also generate employment, enhance legal awareness, promote Constitutional literacy, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of this border region,” he said.
On the demand for inclusion of Rajouri-Poonch under the Fifth Schedule, he said the region has a substantial Tribal population, particularly Gujjars and Bakerwals, who continue to face systemic social, economic, and infrastructural disadvantages. Despite Constitutional safeguards, these communities remain vulnerable in terms of protection of land rights, cultural identity, and traditional livelihoods.
“Inclusion under the Fifth Schedule is not a political slogan but a Constitutional necessity. It is essential for ensuring special protections, focused development, and the preservation of the unique socio-cultural identity of tribal communities. This long-pending measure will help correct historical injustices and ensure equitable and inclusive growth,” he emphasized.
He expressed concern that successive governments have failed to translate repeated assurances into concrete action, leading to growing disillusionment among youth and marginalized sections.
Chowdhary Zulfkar urged the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Government of India to treat these demands with the seriousness and initiate immediate steps for their fulfilment.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
