Deputy Chief Minister Surendra Choudhary’s statement regarding the National Law University (NLU) is no longer just an education policy issue. It has become a major political question regarding Jammu’s government universities, regional equality, and unfulfilled election promises.
Choudhary says that the National Conference had promised to establish the NLU in Kashmir in its election manifesto, so the government is moving in that direction. However, this very statement has created anger and distrust in Jammu.
‘If Jammu is given, Hindu-Muslim conflict will begin’
The Deputy Chief Minister said that if the NLU is established in Jammu, it will create a communal issue, similar to the previous case of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College. He hinted that it will be said that “Muslim students cannot study here,” and the government does not want “such a spectacle.”
Jammu’s Perspective
The environment in Jammu is considered stable, balanced, and positive. Students and academics here report that—
Educational Environment: Government and private colleges, medical and engineering institutes have been operating successfully in Jammu for years.
Social Coexistence: Boys and girls from different communities study, live, and participate in activities together.
Facilities and Access: The school and college environment here is safe, convenient, and comfortable.
Geographical Advantage: Without excessive snow, the weather does not interfere with studies and activities.
Support and Argument: Students say that the environment in Jammu is stable and more favorable for education and opportunities than in Kashmir.
For these reasons, the demand for an NLU in Jammu is solid and justified.
Referring to the Manifesto… But where have the promises gone?
The government is linking the NLU decision to the Manifesto, but this same Manifesto was full of lofty promises to the general public.
The National Conference’s vigorously reiterated promises before the elections included:
Regularization of daily wage workers
200 units of free electricity
Economically Weaker Sections
12 free gas cylinders annually for the economically weaker sections
Large-scale employment in government and semi-government sectors
Old-age and widow pensions of ₹3,000
Marriage assistance of ₹75,000 for poor families
Monthly assistance of ₹5,000 for economically weaker women heads
Honorable return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits
Promise to repeal the Public Safety Act (PSA)
Efforts to restore statehood and special status
Reinstatement of the state’s constitution and flag
Restoration of the Waqf Board in its original form
Establishment of a Minority Commission
Social security for women, the poor, and the youth
Even today, most of the promises remain unfulfilled.
But when the demand for establishing an NLU in Jammu arose, the same government suddenly raised it in the name of a manifesto.
Clearly, the government failed to fulfill its previous promises, and now the NLU is the only topic of discussion.
The NLU issue is no longer just an education issue. It has become a fight for regional equality, development, and rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
The big question is how long Jammu will continue to fight for its rights.
