Pir Panjal Region
Pir Panjal | |
|---|---|
Region | |
 Bridge inRajouri | |
| Country |  India |
| Union Territory | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Division | Jammu |
| Area | |
| • Land | 4,304 km2(1,662 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
| • Total | 1,119,250 |
| Districts | |
ThePir Panjal Region(alsoPir Panjal Valley[2])is a region located in the southwestern part of thePir Panjal Rangein theJammu Divisionof the Indian-administered union territory ofJammu and Kashmir.This name particularly refers to the districts ofPoonchandRajouri.[3][4]
Name
[edit]The Pir Panjal region is named after the Pir Panjal Pass, whose original name as recorded by Srivara, is Panchaladeva (IAST: Pāñcāladeva, meaning the deity of Panchala). Panchala is a country mentioned in theMahabharatain the northwest Uttar Pradesh. However, there are also traditions that place the Mahabharata regions in western Punjab and southern Kashmir. Scholar Dineshchandra Sircar has analysed the geography described in the Shakti‐sangama Tantra, where this is indeed the case.Scholar M. A. Stein believes that the concept of deity must have been translated into that of a Pir after the region was Islamised.[citation needed]
Geography
[edit]The Pir Panjal Region includes the districts ofPoonchandRajouri.The districts borderKashmir Divisionto the north,Azad Kashmirto the west and theJammu Divisionto the south and east.[5][6]As of 2023[update],this region is considered a backward area in terms of development.[7]
The Nowshera Tunnel stands as the first tunnel ever constructed in the Pir Panjal region, establishing a historical milestone.[8]
Economy
[edit]The economy of the Pir Panjal Region is characterized by its rich natural resources and diverse economic activities. This region is endowed with abundant resources, including forests, herbal plants, minerals, and favorable agro-climatic conditions.Tourismand agro-based industries play a pivotal role in the region's economic landscape, offering significant investment potential.
Agriculture in the Pir Panjal region focuses on the cultivation of a variety of fruits, such asapples,almonds,cherries,apricots,andcitrus fruits.Additionally, the region is known for its skilled workforce in producing delicate handicraft items, includingembroidery,wood carving,furandleatherproducts,woodwork,and various traditional crafts. The area's mineral resources, particularlylimestone,are essential for thecement industry.The government's strategic areas of focus encompassfood processing,agro-based industries, auto-ancillaries,precision engineering,mineral exploration,andeco-tourism,making the Pir Panjal region an attractive destination for investment.[9]
Demographics
[edit]Muslims form a majority in the two districts constituting thePir Panjalregion. About 75% of the population was Muslim according to the2011 census,and the rest were 22.73% Hindus and 2.38%Sikhs.
Tourism
[edit]Pir Panjal is also the hub of hilly tourist attractions after Valley of Kashmir & Chenab Valley, some of them are as follows;
- Pir Ki Gali
- Shrine of Sayin Miran Bakshi
- Shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah (Shahdara Sharif)
- Chingus Sarai
- Noori Chambh
- Loran Valley
- Jamia Masjid
- Poonch Fort
- Historic Mughal Road
- MANGLA MATA TEMPLE IN JHANGER NOWSHERA (RAJOURI)
Demand For Divisional Status
[edit]There has been a movement demanding divisional for the Pir Panjal by various social and political activists for a long time. The demand rose in 2018 and 2019 whenLadakhgot divisional status and the former Chief Minister ofJammu and Kashmir,Omar Abdullahadded "Two Separate Divisional Status forChenab Valleyand Pir Panjal Region "to his party's political agenda.[12]
As of 2021, the movement for of divisional status or merger with Kashmir Division again increased after rumours of second bifurcation of J&K and demand for a separate state ofJammu.The majority of people in Pir Panjal are ethnic Paharis & Gujjars and are more connected to theirKashmir Valleybrethren by religion, culture, connectivity, geography & historical links with Kashmir.
There is a common reason for this demand. People allege negligence in terms of developmental issues by the government if the Pir Panjal remains linked to theJammu division.[1]
Hill Development Council
[edit]In 1996,Dr. Farooq Abdullahas Chief minister promised administrative autonomy to Chenab & Pir Panjal.[13]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^abAyoob, Anzer (17 July 2021)."J&K: Chenab Valley Seeks Separate Divisional Status as well as Council".NewsClick.in.Retrieved20 July2021.
- ^Ashiq, Peerzada (6 June 2022)."Pir Panjal emerges key electoral battleground to capture power in J&K".The Hindu.Retrieved27 September2023.
- ^"Geelani vows to resist settlement of retired soldiers in Kashmir".Archived fromthe originalon 3 October 2015.Retrieved30 September2015.
- ^"THROUGH THE PIR PANJAL".
- ^Kissu, Sagrika (15 September 2023)."Why Pir Panjal region is becoming a militant hotspot— porous LoC, routes to Kashmir, 'local support'".ThePrint.Retrieved27 September2023.
- ^"Pir Panjal challenge: Terrorists are again changing tactics in J&K. New Delhi must be alive to serious emerging threats".The Times of India.15 September 2023.Retrieved27 September2023.
- ^"Declare Pir Panjal region as backward: Javed Rana".Daily Excelsior.8 June 2023.Retrieved27 September2023.
- ^Bhargav, Sumit (6 August 2023)."IST TUNNEL IN PIR PANJAL REGION | Construction work in full swing".Greater Kashmir.Retrieved27 September2023.
- ^Sharma, Y.P. (30 August 2017)."Economic potential of Pir Panjal region".Daily Excelsior.Retrieved27 September2023.
- ^ab C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Jammu & Kashmir(Report). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.Retrieved18 July2020.
- ^ "Population by religion community – 2011".Census of India, 2011.The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived fromthe originalon 25 August 2015.
- ^"Separate division for Ladakh: Omar promises two more for Chenab valley, Pir Panjal if voted to power".Times of India.8 February 2019.Retrieved31 July2021.
- ^"Why oppose Hill Council status for Chenab, Pir Panjal valleys?".Brighter Kashmir. 25 March 2020.Retrieved8 August2021.