Raies Mir
February 14, 2026
Over the past seven years, significant administrative and recruitment changes have taken place in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir following the unlawful abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A by the Indian BJP government. These developments have sparked debate and concern among the oppressed population in the Kashmir Valley regarding representation in government institutions.
Recruitment in the Judiciary
In a recently conducted judicial recruitment examination for judges, reports indicate that a substantial majority of candidates declared eligible for interviews were from the Jammu region and identified as Hindus, while a comparatively smaller proportion were Muslims from the Kashmir Valley. The release of the selection list led to resentment among some candidates in the Valley, who said that the process reflected regional and religious imbalance rather than purely merit-based selection.
A similar pattern has been reported in the recruitment of sub-inspectors in the Jammu and Kashmir Police. According to various accounts, a majority of selected candidates mostly Hindus were from the Jammu region. After completing their mandatory training, many of these officers were posted in police stations across the Kashmir Valley. Critics argue that this has reduced local representation within certain institutions, while officials claim that postings are conducted according to administrative requirements.
Banking and Higher Education Institutions
Recruitment examinations for J&K Bank have also reportedly resulted in a significant number of selected candidates coming from the Jammu region.
At the University of Kashmir, eligibility criteria for advertised posts have reportedly allowed candidates from outside the territory to apply. Some non-local applicants have secured positions at the Srinagar campus. Similarly, at the Central University of Kashmir, a notable proportion of employees are said to be non-locals.
Professional institutions such as the National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Government Medical College Srinagar, SK Institute of Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Fashion Technology reportedly also have a considerable number of employees and students from outside the region.
Revenue and Administrative Departments
In the Revenue Department, there have been significant staff reshuffles. Critics said that several key positions in the Kashmir Valley are now held by non-local officials. Some said that these changes facilitate closer administrative oversight and streamline land-related processes under revised property laws.
Additionally, senior administrative and police positions in the Valley — including Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Secretaries, and Divisional Commissioners — are reportedly occupied by officers from outside Kashmir mostly RSS Hindus , many of whom belong to all-India services. The Chief Engineer in occupied Kashmir is a Hindu Rakesh Kumar.
Most professional institutions in Kashmir — including NIT, GMC Srinagar, SKIMS, NIFT, and others — reportedly have a significant number of non-local employees and students.
The overall exercise undertaken by the BJP-led government in Delhi appears to pursue the following objectives:
• To dilute Muslim representation in government administration and public institutions
• To maintain close oversight of Muslim employees
• To implement Delhi’s policies discreetly through non-local officials
• To systematically disempower Kashmiri Muslims from running their own administration
Senior Appointments and Promotions
Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is currently administered under the office of the Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. The Lieutenant Governor is also a non-Kashmiri and head most of the offices including police department. The heads of agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in occupied territory are also non-Kashmiri Hindus.
In January 2026, the Ministry promoted five AGMUT cadre IPS officers to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP). Among them, Dr. Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal and David Lalrinsanga were promoted to the DGP rank in Level 16 of the pay matrix, effective February 1, 2026, or from the date they assume charge. Three other officers — Satish Shriramaji Khandare, Rajesh Kumar, and Tsewang Namgyal Kalon — were granted proforma promotions while on central deputation.
Recent administrative reshuffles have also included the transfer of IAS officers, including Anjali Sehrawat and Kumar Abhishek, to Jammu and Kashmir.
These developments have led to ongoing debate within the region. Critics argue that the changes dilute local representation in governance and public institutions, particularly among Kashmiri Muslims.
The broader discussion continues to reflect deep political and regional sensitivities surrounding governance, representation, and institutional balance in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.