Kulgam, July 4: Advocate Zaman Irshad Parray, Founder Member of the Jammu & Kashmir Revolutionary Party (JKRP), Member of the J&K High Court Bar Association, Srinagar, and the Kashmir Advocates Association, has appealed to the Government of India to formally recognise Koshur (Kashmiri) and the Dogra communities as ancient native races of the country, urging that the matter be taken up during the forthcoming session of Parliament.
In a formal representation addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Adv. Parray sought constitutional recognition and protection for the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Kashmiri and Dogra communities. He argued that both communities share a continuous civilisational history that predates modern political boundaries and deserve dedicated constitutional safeguards to preserve their languages, culture, and identity for future generations.
“Kashmiri and Dogra are not merely regional identities—they are ancient native races of this land, with a shared history that long predates the politics that has since tried to divide us. Recognising and constitutionally protecting our native languages, culture, and heritage is not a favour to be sought—it is a right owed to the original custodians of this soil,” Adv. Parray said.
He also stated that while some traditional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to organise protests over emotional issues, the JKRP believes such methods have historically benefited established political families more than the aspirations of ordinary Kashmiri youth.
Adv. Parray emphasised that respectful, direct, and sustained engagement with New Delhi would be more effective in addressing the concerns of the younger generation than emotionally charged political mobilisation. He further urged the Government of India to engage directly with the youth of the Valley, independent of traditional political intermediaries, to better understand their aspirations regarding employment, education, identity, and constitutional recognition.
Reaffirming the party’s vision, the JKRP said it remains committed to youth empowerment, constitutional engagement with the Union of India, and promoting a political approach that moves beyond the legacy structures that have long dominated Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape.
