Jammu, April 13:
The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) today escalated its campaign for regional parity, holding a massive protest march in Kishtwar against the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government. The youth wing is demanding the immediate establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in the Jammu Province.
The march, which stretched from Hidyal Chowk to Kuleed Chowk, saw hundreds of local youth raising slogans against what they termed the “discriminatory stance” of the current administration toward the Jammu region.
The Argument for Dual Institutions
Addressing the gathering, Arun Prabhat, State President of BJYM Jammu Kashmir, questioned the logic behind denying Jammu its own NLU when other major central institutions are already doubled in the Union Territory.
“If there are two Central Universities and two AIIMS in Jammu and Kashmir, why can’t there be two National Law Universities? CM Omar Abdullah is deliberately ignoring a legitimate demand that impacts the academic future of Jammu’s youth,” Prabhat stated.
The BJYM chief issued a stern warning to the NC government, cautioning that the series of district-level protests could soon snowball into a “mass agitation beyond controllable potential” if the demand is not met.
Allegations of Regional Discrimination
The protest, organized by Sourav Kotwal, District President of BJYM Kishtwar, echoed sentiments of regional neglect. Kotwal accused the Omar Abdullah government of trying to “suppress the voice of the youth” and maintaining a bias against Jammu’s development.
Key Figures in Attendance:
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Ravi Parihar: District President BJP Kishtwar
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Sagar Singh Kotwal: State Secretary, BJYM
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Anjali Chouhan: Mahila Morcha President, Kishtwar
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Ajeet Wazir: Mandal President
The Political Context
The establishment of a National Law University has become a flashpoint in J&K politics. While one NLU was previously approved for the Kashmir division, youth leaders in Jammu argue that the geographical and professional needs of the province necessitate a second independent campus.
The BJYM has vowed to continue its “protest series” across all districts of the Jammu region until a formal notification for the Jammu NLU is issued.
