SRINAGAR – The Jammu & Kashmir government’s controversial decision to issue ‘Dogra Certificates’ to residents of the Jammu province has rapidly snowballed into a major political crisis in the Kashmir Valley.
The issue gained significant traction after the National Conference (NC) justified its coalition partner Congress’s unilateral decision, issued via the Revenue Ministry, to begin bestowing these certificates.
Defending the move, Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla claimed the order was completely constitutional and was strictly aimed at helping local youth secure jobs in the armed forces, where the Dogra community historically receives relaxation in physical recruitment criteria. This stance was explicitly supported by senior NC leader Ali Mohammed Sagar.
In a press conference held in Srinagar to “clarify” the government’s stance, Ministers Taj Mohidin, Raman Bhalla, and Nasir Aslam Wani inadvertently fueled further confusion. While Taj Mohidin acknowledged the issuance as a “mistake” that would be reviewed by the cabinet, he maintained that the order would not be immediately revoked. Meanwhile, Bhalla doubled down, stating the government has no intention of withdrawing the order and might instead issue similar ethnic or regional certificates—such as to Kashmiris, Rajputs, and Ladakhis.
However, the political and public pushback in the Valley has been severe. Many within and outside political circles perceive the Dogra Certificate as a calculated move to create a regional ‘green card’ system. Critics argue that in the long term, this move is designed to dilute and ultimately neutralize the constitutional significance of the Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), which governs state subject laws in J&K.
Despite these widespread public apprehensions, which the government dismissed as “far-fetched,” the administration has refused to recall the directive immediately. Taj Mohidin stated they are exploring alternative options, but until a decision is reached, the controversial order stands.
(Note: This report details the 2011 political controversy surrounding the Dogra Certificate, reflecting the analysis provided by Kashmir Life).
Published by True Roots Media Network