Srinagar, May 2: Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, on Saturday asserted that Urdu remains central to Jammu & Kashmir’s identity and urged the government to clearly spell out its position amid the ongoing controversy.
Reacting to the debate surrounding the language, Yaseen said the government must issue a formal clarification instead of relying on what he termed “verbal and hollow assurances,” adding that ambiguity is fuelling unnecessary politicisation.
“Politics is being played over the language issue to serve vested interests. The government must come forward with an official statement so that this controversy is resolved,” he said.
Highlighting Urdu’s administrative importance, Yaseen noted that the language continues to play a crucial role in governance across the Union Territory. He pointed out that a significant portion of land records, including those from the era of Maharaja Hari Singh, are maintained in Urdu and remain integral even in ongoing digitisation processes.
Expressing concern over missing and incomplete village records, he urged authorities to prioritise their preservation and accessibility. “The government must ensure proper digitisation and safeguarding of these documents so that people do not face difficulties in land-related matters,” he added.
Emphasising its broader role, Yaseen said Urdu is not merely a language but a symbol of inclusivity and shared cultural heritage in Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that it has historically acted as a bridge connecting diverse communities across regions.
“For the inclusive and cultural fabric of Jammu & Kashmir, Urdu is essential. It must continue to be used in government departments as an official language,” he said.
Calling for a balanced and sensitive approach, Yaseen urged policymakers to safeguard linguistic diversity while maintaining administrative efficiency, and appealed to all stakeholders to avoid politicising the issue and work towards unity and mutual respect.
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