Demand for National Law University at Rajouri, Fifth Schedule Status for Rajouri–Poonch Reiterated; Ch Zulfkar Ali 

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI JANUARY 31:-Former Minister and Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir BJP, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali  Today reiterated the long-pending demands for the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) at Rajouri and the inclusion of Rajouri–Poonch under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Addressing a press conference here, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, accompanied by Manzoor Ahmed Naik, State General Secretary, ST Morcha, and Mohd Arif Ranja, former Chairman, Municipal Council Rajouri, said the twin border districts continue to face institutional and educational neglect despite their strategic importance and socio-economic challenges.

Highlighting the border location of Rajouri–Poonch along the Line of Control (LoC), Zulfkar Ali said the region has made immense sacrifices for national integrity but has not received proportionate development. He termed the establishment of an NLU at Rajouri as an “urgent and justified necessity,” stating that it would provide quality legal education to local students, generate employment, enhance legal awareness, and contribute to regional development.
He further said that the inclusion of Rajouri–Poonch under the Fifth Schedule is essential due to the substantial tribal population, particularly Gujjars and Bakerwals, who continue to face social and economic disadvantages. “Fifth Schedule status is a constitutional requirement to protect tribal land rights, culture, and livelihoods and to ensure inclusive development,” he asserted.

Manzoor Ahmed Naik said tribal communities have consistently demanded Fifth Schedule protection to safeguard their constitutional rights, adding that sustainable development is impossible without empowering tribal populations.

Mohd Arif Ranja said an NLU would transform Rajouri into an educational hub and open new opportunities for local youth.

Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali urged the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Government of India to initiate immediate steps to fulfill these demands, stating that decisive action is necessary to restore public confidence and ensure equitable development in the border districts.