JAMMU, Aug 13: Brigadier Dr.Vijay Sagar Dheman, Member of the Advisory Board of the Jammu State Movement and Convenor of the International Institute of J&K Studies and Analysis (IIJSA), Jammu, met the High-Level Committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to discuss issues concerning demographic change, migration and settlement patterns, Rohingya settlement, and the security dynamics of Jammu’s border areas.
During the interaction, Dr. Dheman presented a detailed assessment of demographic and administrative concerns affecting Jammu. He highlighted what he described as the historical roots of regional imbalance and lopsided delimitation since 1951, as well as concerns regarding demographic changes and settlement patterns which, according to his assessment, have been exploited by hostile and externally supported elements, including Pakistan’s ISI.
The briefing covered the strategic importance of Jammu’s border areas, migration and settlement patterns, concerns relating to Rohingya settlement, and the need for effective verification and monitoring mechanisms from the perspective of national security and demographic stability.
Dr. Dheman strongly advocated a biometric-enabled, online and independently verifiable census and population database, together with transparent mechanisms for assessing migration and settlement patterns. He also called for an equitable division of financial, developmental and administrative resources between the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
However, he emphasised that administrative and resource reforms alone may not adequately address Jammu’s longstanding grievances. On behalf of the Jammu State Movement, Dr. Dheman strongly demanded the creation of a separate Jammu State with appropriate constitutional safeguards, including consideration of an Article 371-type special constitutional framework.
He stated that a separate Jammu State would provide Jammu with greater political representation, accountable governance, balanced development and the ability to utilise its resources in accordance with the aspirations of its people, while strengthening national security and border management.
The Jammu State Movement reiterated that its demand is constitutional, democratic and peaceful, aimed at securing political equality, equitable development, good governance and justice for Jammu. The demand is not directed against any religion, community or region.
The Movement welcomed the examination of Jammu’s demographic, developmental and security concerns by the Ministry of Home Affairs and expressed hope that the Committee would objectively consider the issues and recommendations presented before it in the larger national interest and in the interest of justice for Jammu.