Bar Association Mendhar Seeks Establishment of National Law University in Pir Panjal Region

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

ALTAF HUSSAIN

MENDHAR JANUARY 22:-The Bar Association Mendhar has expressed serious concern over the continued neglect of the Pir Panjal region in the establishment of institutions of national importance and has strongly urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to establish the proposed National Law University in the Pir Panjal region, particularly in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

The Bar Association stated that for the past several days, people from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir have been raising their demands for the establishment of a National Law University through various democratic means. Simultaneously, the people of the Pir Panjal region, especially Rajouri and Poonch, have also been actively voicing their demand. Social activists, District Development Council members, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, legal professionals, and public leaders have been raising this issue in different forms, reflecting the collective aspiration of the region.

In this backdrop, the Bar Association Mendhar, representing the legal fraternity of the area, has made a strong appeal to the Government that the proposed National Law University be established in the Pir Panjal region. The Association emphasized that Pir Panjal is among the most backward regions of the Union Territory in terms of educational infrastructure and institutional development and has remained deprived of institutions of national and professional importance.

The Association pointed out that the region lacks quality higher education institutions, particularly in the field of legal education. There is no institution of national or international standard in the Pir Panjal region. Even Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, despite its importance, is not a fully government-sponsored university and does not fulfill the long-standing requirement of a premier legal education institution.

The Bar Association further highlighted that the Pir Panjal region continues to face challenges such as inadequate road connectivity, insufficient infrastructure, and the absence of higher judicial institutions, including a High Court bench. In contrast, major institutions and flagship projects have been established in other regions. AIIMS has been sanctioned for Jammu as well as Kashmir, Smart City projects have been implemented in Jammu and Srinagar, and High Court facilities exist in both Jammu and Srinagar, while Pir Panjal has consistently remained neglected.

The Association stated that Pir Panjal is an integral part of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and has played a significant role in its political and democratic framework. The region has contributed meaningfully to the political landscape, and seven Members of the Legislative Assembly from the Pir Panjal region have been elected under the banner of the National Conference.

In this context, the Bar Association Mendhar has urged the elected representatives of the region to collectively and firmly raise the issue of establishing a National Law University in the Pir Panjal region during the forthcoming Assembly session. The Association stressed that the aspirations of the people of Rajouri and Poonch must be represented clearly on the floor of the House.

The Bar Association further emphasized that ample land and suitable space are available in the Pir Panjal region, making it a viable and appropriate location for the establishment of a National Law University. Such an institution would not only provide access to quality legal education but also contribute significantly to regional development, employment generation, and the strengthening of the justice delivery system.

The Association asserted that the demand for a National Law University in Pir Panjal is legitimate, genuine, and based on principles of equity and balanced regional development. It appealed to all sections of society to support this cause in a democratic and constitutional manner so that long-standing regional disparities may be addressed.