Separatists,politicians slam Dogra certificate: Attempt to divide state

The Dogra certificate,meant to help people from Jammu to get preference in jobs in defence forces,seems to be creating a divide in the state on regional lines,with separatists and politicians crying foul in the Valley over the latest move of the government.

As per an order issued by Minister of Revenue Raman Bhalla on March 27,all such residents of Jammu who are otherwise eligible for grant of Permanent Resident Certificate under the J&K Grant of Permanent Resident Certificate (Procedure) Act can get the certificate. He clarified that it would be issued to the candidates for the purpose of seeking employment in Central paramilitary forces,wherever relaxation in height and chest measurement is permissible.

While Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani has issued a protest programme against the government move,moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in his Friday sermon warned of action if the government didnt withdraw the order.

PDP spokesman Naeem Akhter maintains this will undermine the secular character of the state while his party colleague and former J-K deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Beigh insists this is an attempt to divide the state.