Iltija Mufti leads protest against removal of Urdu from revenue records

• PDP slams government over Urdu issue, says language binds J&K’s diversity
• Government cites public-objection process, PDP alleges assault on heritage

Srinagar, April 28: The People’s Democratic Party on Tuesday staged a protest in Srinagar against the Jammu and Kashmir government over the reported move to remove Urdu as a mandatory language in revenue-related matters, with party leaders warning that the decision could have serious cultural and administrative implications.

Led by PDP leader Iltija Mufti, party workers assembled at Sher-e-Kashmir Park and raised slogans against the government’s decision. The protesters said Urdu has historically played an important role in Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative, cultural and social life, particularly in matters related to revenue records and official documentation.

Speaking to reporters during the protest, Iltija Mufti described the move as an attack on the cultural identity and civilisational heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. She said the region is home to several languages, including Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri and Pahari, but Urdu has long served as a common link across linguistic and regional diversities.

“This is an attack on our culture and our civilisation,” she said, adding that Urdu has functioned as a bridge language for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She further said that the issue should not be viewed merely as an administrative change, but as a decision with wider cultural consequences.

Iltija also criticised the ruling National Conference, saying the reported removal of Urdu from revenue records was taking place while the party was in power. She questioned the government’s position and said that such decisions could weaken an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s shared identity.

The PDP maintained that Urdu’s association with revenue records is not accidental, as generations of official land and revenue documents in Jammu and Kashmir have been prepared and interpreted in the language. Party leaders argued that removing Urdu’s mandatory role could create complications for people, particularly those connected with old land records and traditional revenue documentation.

The issue has triggered political debate in the Union Territory. Some reports have described the matter in the context of proposed changes to revenue service recruitment rules, while the government has said that only a notification inviting public objections has been issued and no final decision has been taken. Senior NC leader and Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani clarified that Urdu continues to remain important in revenue administration and urged opposition parties not to mislead people.

However, the PDP has insisted that any move reducing the role of Urdu in revenue or administrative processes must be viewed seriously because of the language’s historic connection with official records and public access to documents. The party said that changes affecting language policy should not be made without wider consultation with stakeholders, experts and the public.

The controversy comes amid a wider debate over language, recruitment, access and administrative reforms in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, changes linked to Urdu proficiency in revenue service eligibility had also sparked political reactions, with different parties offering contrasting views on fairness, inclusivity and heritage.

The protest concluded with PDP leaders demanding that the government reconsider any move that weakens Urdu’s role in revenue administration. They said the language should be protected not only as an administrative medium, but also as a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s composite cultural legacy.