Srinagar, Apr 30: 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, sparking a fresh political debate in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference, Mufti claimed that recent administrative steps—particularly in the Revenue Department—suggest 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 reflects our history and identity. Targeting it amounts to targeting the 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 maintained in Urdu, making such a transition both impractical and exclusionary. She also expressed concern over reported changes in recruitment norms, saying that easing Urdu requirements could impact job opportunities for local youth.
“This is not about politics. It is about protecting 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 only sought public feedback on certain proposals, describing it as 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 remains integral to the functioning of the Revenue Department.
Highlighting its importance, he noted that revenue officials rely 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, saying such narratives create unnecessary confusion among the public.
Despite the clarification, Iltija Mufti stood by her remarks, insisting that any perceived dilution of Urdu must be resisted to safeguard the region’s linguistic and cultural identity. (Agency)
