It’s decided, J&K residents to be issued domicile cards

Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Doda, December 5

Four months after Jammu and Kashmir was split into two Union Territories, the Union Government is all set to provide domicile certificate to local residents, as demanded by party’s top local leadership. The government is expected to announce a decision in this regard by December 15.

“A senior BJP leader had written a three-page letter to Union Minister Amit Shah days after the bifurcation, raising several issues concerning the locals, including  jobs for the educated and protection of land rights. Also, a recent report on unemployment figures presented a dismal picture of J&K following which top BJP leaders visited New Delhi and met people at the helm to flag people’s concerns.”

The source, who was part of the delegation, said the Union Government promised to issue domicile certificates to local residents. “The Union Government insisted on a minimum 10-year stay in J&K for issuance of the certificate, but we demanded that this period be 15 years. The Centre agreed and the matter is almost sealed. We expect the Union Government  to make an announcement by December 15,” he added.