Virender Koundal
virender_koundal@rediffmail.com
Jammu and Kashmir is not a land of divisions; it is a land of diversity and unity. From the plains of Jammu to the mountains of Kashmir people of different religions, faiths, languages, castes, and cultures have lived together for centuries. They may look different, speak different languages, and follow different customs, but historically and culturally they are one. They are all an inseparable part of Bharat. However, in the last few decades, a dangerous political narrative has repeatedly surfaced in Jammu and Kashmir especially when people of Jammu province raise genuine and democratic demands. That narrative is the so-called “two-and-a-half district” or “dhai zila” slogan, often raised by Kashmir-based political parties and communal elements. This slogan is not only factually wrong but also politically motivated and socially divisive.
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is a bonanza of diversity. Earlier a state and now a Union Territory, it consists of multiple regions with distinct geographical, cultural, and social identities. Jammu province alone has ten districts, spread across plains, hills, mountains, and border areas. These districts include Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch. People in these districts belong to different religions Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and different ethnic and linguistic groups. Despite this diversity, Jammu province has always stood for unity, nationalism, and democratic values. The people have repeatedly shown commitment to peace, harmony, and the idea of India. Yet, whenever Jammu raises its collective voice for justice and balanced development, its demands are deliberately reduced and mocked as the voice of only “two-and-a-half districts.”
The “two-and-a-half district” slogan did not emerge naturally. It was carefully coined and promoted by certain Kashmir-based politicians and communal groups to delegitimize the genuine concerns of Jammu province. Whenever Jammu demanded fair representation, equitable allocation of institutions, or balanced development, this slogan was used to trivialize those demands. By calling Jammu’s concerns a “dhai district demand,” these groups tried to create a false impression that only a small section of people were raising issues, while the rest of the Union Territory was supposedly satisfied. This narrative crushed the collective voice of ten districts and weakened democratic discourse.
One of the biggest grievances of Jammu province has been the unequal distribution of institutions and development projects. Over the years, a large number of premier institutions were established in the Kashmir province, often without transparent or balanced decision-making. Institutions such as: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), National Institute of Technology (NIT), ICAR institutions, Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Central University, AIIMS, Major tourism projects, Infrastructure and road connectivity projects etc were largely concentrated in the Kashmir region.
This is not to deny the importance of development in Kashmir. Development is necessary everywhere. But fairness demands balance, not concentration. Jammu province, despite its large geographical area, strategic importance, border sensitivity, and population, had to struggle for decades to get even a few institutions. Whenever institutions were finally sanctioned for Jammu, they came only after long protests, sustained movements, and immense public pressure. SKUAST, AIIMS Jammu, Central University Jammu, etc are examples of how people had to fight relentlessly for what should have been a natural entitlement. Ironically, even after these achievements, Jammu’s demands continued to be labeled as “dhai district demands.” This shows that the issue was never about numbers; it was about control over narrative and power.
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of this political strategy has been the deliberate attempt to divide Jammu province on the basis of religion. Since a significant Hindu population resides in parts of Jammu, Kashmir-based communal elements tried to portray Jammu’s demands as “Hindu demands” rather than regional or developmental demands. This labeling was intentional. By communalizing the issue, they aimed to weaken unity within Jammu province and reduce public support for collective causes. Later, to deepen this divide, new artificial identities were promoted, such as Pir Panjal region and Chenab region. While these areas have distinct geographical features, the political use of these labels was meant to fragment Jammu society and prevent a united voice for justice.
The creation of sub-regional identities was not about empowering local people. It was about fragmenting Jammu’s political strength. People of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi share deep historical, cultural, and emotional ties with the rest of Jammu province. They have common issues poor infrastructure, lack of higher educational institutions, unemployment, migration, and border-related challenges. Yet, instead of addressing these shared problems, communal narratives were pushed to pit one group against another.
The recent demand for establishing one more National Law University (NLU) in Jammu province clearly exposed this divisive strategy once again. Jammu’s demand was simple and logical: the province deserves an NLU considering its population, geographical size, and long history of legal education. Instead of debating the issue on merit, the same old tactics were used. The demand was diluted by dividing people on regional and religious lines. Once again, it was portrayed as the voice of a “few districts,” ignoring the collective aspiration of Jammu province. This approach does not strengthen Jammu and Kashmir; it weakens it.
It is important to clearly state that this issue is not Jammu versus Kashmir. It is not about denying development to one region or favoring another. It is about fairness, justice, and balanced development across all regions of the Union Territory. Kashmir deserves development. Jammu province also deserves development. So does every district, every tehsil, and every village. Development should not become a political tool to reward one region and silence another.
Another major concern has been political representation. For decades, Jammu province remained underrepresented in legislative assemblies, parliamentary seats, and administrative decision-making bodies. Delimitation and constituency allocation often failed to reflect population, area, and strategic significance. Whenever Jammu raised these issues, instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, the “dhai district” label was used to suppress debate. This damaged democratic institutions and deepened mistrust.
Such slogans and divisive politics have long-term consequences. They create bitterness, mistrust, and emotional distance between regions that have historically lived together. They weaken social harmony and damage the shared identity of Jammu and Kashmir as part of Bharat. Young people, in particular, suffer the most. Instead of opportunities, they inherit divisions. Instead of unity, they see political manipulation
The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies in inclusive governance and balanced regional development. Political parties and leaders must rise above narrow interests and reject slogans that divide people. Policy decisions should be based on data, geography, population, and regional needs, not on political convenience. Institutions must be distributed fairly. Infrastructure must reach border areas, hilly regions, and backward districts. Tourism development should benefit both Jammu and Kashmir equally.
The voice of Jammu province is not the voice of “two-and-a-half districts.” It is the voice of ten districts, millions of people, and generations that have contributed to the nation’s unity, security, and economy. Reducing this voice to a slogan is not only unjust; it is anti-democratic. Jammu and Kashmir has always been stronger when it stood united. The “dhai district” slogan is a political myth created to suppress legitimate demands and divide society. It must be rejected by all those who believe in justice, equality, and national unity. The real issue is not regional rivalry but equitable development, fair representation, and inclusive growth. Only when every region feels heard and respected, then only Jammu and Kashmir will truly move forward as a peaceful, prosperous, and united Union Territory of Bharat.
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