Loading News...

Breaking News
Trump rejects Iran's offer, says blockade to remain until US concerns about nuclear program addressed: Axios
'Trump seeks Iran's surrender through naval blockade, internal discord': Ghalibaf
West Asia: Iran's FM Araghchi dials EAM Jaishankar, discusses current scenario
J&K Government Hikes Passenger Vehicle Fares by 18% Across UT

Targeting Urdu Is Targeting Our Identity: Iltija Mufti

  • Abid Bashir
  • Comments 0
  • 30 Apr 2026

CM Omar led govt of sidelining Urdu; advisor Nasir Aslam Wani says no such move underway

Srinagar, Apr 29:- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Wednesday alleged that the Omar Abdullah-led administration is attempting to dilute the role of Urdu in official functioning, triggering a fresh political controversy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference, Mufti claimed that recent administrative steps—particularly within the Revenue Department—indicate a gradual shift away from Urdu, which has historically been central to land and revenue records in the region.

“Urdu is not just a language here; it is a reflection of our history and identity. Targeting it amounts to targeting the very cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

Iltija questioned the move to digitise revenue records in English, arguing that generations of documentation have been preserved in Urdu, making such a transition both impractical and exclusionary. She also raised concerns over reported changes in recruitment norms, stating that easing Urdu requirements could affect employment prospects for local youth.

“This is not about politics. It is about safeguarding a language that has connected communities across regions and generations,” she added.

However, the government has rejected the allegations.

A day earlier, Chief Minister’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani termed the claims “misleading” and clarified that no decision has been taken to remove Urdu from official use. He said that a recent communication merely sought public feedback on certain proposals, calling it a routine administrative process.

“There is no move to drop Urdu. No order has been issued to remove it from recruitment or official systems,” Wani said, adding that Urdu continues to remain integral to the functioning of the Revenue Department.

Highlighting its importance, he noted that revenue officials depend on Urdu to read and verify land records. “Separating Urdu from the system is neither feasible nor under consideration,” he asserted.

Wani also accused opposition leaders of politicising the issue, stating that such narratives create unnecessary confusion among the public.

Despite the clarification, Iltija today stood by her remarks, insisting that any perceived dilution of Urdu must be resisted to protect the region’s linguistic and cultural identity.

 

Leave a comment

Related Posts

How We Can Help You!

labore et dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida. Risus commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis.

Contact us