Jammu, Aug 11: The Jammu State People’s Movement (JSPM) has submitted a memorandum to the High-Level Committee examining demographic changes in Jammu, seeking a comprehensive and independent demographic audit of the region. A delegation led by JSPM Chairman Col Ajay Raina submitted the memorandum, titled “Memorandum on Demographic Change in Jammu Province (1947–2026): Implications for National Security, Governance and Regional Identity.” The delegation included Ashwani Sharma, Shivani Vaid Sharma, Vir Vikram, Dr Vikas Padha and Rajinder Kumar Sharma. The memorandum brings together historical developments, legislative and administrative decisions, demographic trends, migration patterns and issues concerning land and settlement in Jammu. JSPM said demographic changes in Jammu should not be viewed only as a statistical issue, citing the region’s proximity to the International Border and Line of Control, its strategic role as the main land corridor to Kashmir and the presence of military and other key infrastructure. The organisation urged the committee to examine the cumulative impact of migration, rehabilitation policies, land-use changes, alleged encroachments on state and forest land, urban expansion and settlement patterns along strategically important areas. It also sought an examination of whether these developments have altered the demographic character of parts of Jammu and their possible impact on political representation, resource allocation, regional identity and national security. A key concern raised in the memorandum was the alleged occupation and subsequent regularisation of state and forest land. JSPM called for independent verification of land records and transactions linked to the former Roshni Act. The memorandum cited figures of approximately 5.71 lakh kanals in Jammu Division and 33,392 kanals in Kashmir Division in connection with land transferred or regularised under the scheme. The group also submitted data claiming that more than 12,000 kanals of state and forest land had been encroached upon in and around Jammu city, including areas near protected wildlife zones. JSPM further urged scrutiny of settlement patterns along national highways, riverbeds, khads and nallas, as well as areas near military installations and other sensitive infrastructure. The memorandum also raised allegations regarding the presence of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals, undocumented migration and changes in settlement patterns around Jammu city. However, JSPM said such claims should be verified through official records and should neither be treated as established facts nor dismissed as political allegations. The organisation clarified that it did not question the constitutional right of Indian citizens to reside anywhere in the country in accordance with law, nor did it seek to view demographic changes through a communal lens. It called instead for an impartial, evidence-based assessment of the issue. JSPM proposed that the demographic audit should use Census data, revenue and land records, migration statistics, satellite imagery, land-use data and public consultations. The organisation said the objective was not to seek predetermined conclusions but to ensure that concerns relating to Jammu were examined objectively in the interests of national security, constitutional governance, social harmony and balanced regional development.
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