Early times Report
Srinagar, June 30: Even as till a few months ago, south Kashmir was seen as the hotbed of new-age militancy, the same region has now taken a lead to welcome the new domicile laws as laid down after the abrogation of the controversial Article 370.
Official sources told Early Times that south Kashmir has taken the maximum benefit of the issuance of the new domicile certificates.
Within almost a month of the commencement of the issuance of domicile certificates, south Kashmir has benefitted 349 families out of the total of 438 domicile certificates issued in the valley.
Pulwama, which till a few months ago had huge number of militants, tops the list with as many as 153 beneficiaries of domicile certificates.
Officials said Pulwama is followed by Anantnag (106), Kulgam (90), Baramulla (39), Shopian (20), Bandipora (10), Kupwara (10), Budgam (09) and Ganderbal (1).
It is pertinent to mention that till a few months ago, south Kashmir was infamous for indoctrination and militancy. From Burhan Muzaffar Wani to Reyaz Naikoo, most of the top commanders were from south Kashmir.
But after the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, things have started to change in the south.
While the government forces launched a major offensive against the militant groups, people want to give peace a chance.
A senior official said the issuance of highest number of domicile certificates in south Kashmir should serve an eye-opener for Pakistan and its proxies that the people are fed up of the separatist politics and want to fully integrate with the rest of the country.
Analysts said given the encouraging response at the beginning of the issuance of the certificates, thousands more expected to be benefitted in the coming times in Kashmir.
Meanwhile in the nationalist Jammu region, the highest number of domicile certificates 8,500 have been issued in Doda, Rajouri 6,214, Poonch 6,123 and Jammu 2,820.
Around 500 domicile certificates are under process in Jammu.
Hundreds of West Pakistan Refugees and Valmiki Samaj members, have also been granted the certificates.
However, if any Tehsildar in Jammu and Kashmir fails to issue a domicile certificate to applicants on time they may attract a punishment of having to forfeit up to Rs 50,000 from their salary. |
