Billawar district demand gains momentum, mass rally announced
20/08/2026
JAMMU, Aug 19: The Billawar Zila Andolan on Wednesday held a one-day convention at Sachara in Billawar, with a large number of people from Billawar, Lohai-Malhar, Ramkote, Bani and Mahanpur tehsils participating and extending support to the demand for creation of a separate Billawar district.
The convention was presided over by Andolan convener and advocate Hari Chand Jalmeria. Prominent participants included Krishan Gopal Upadhiaya (98), Krishan Singh Jasrotia (80), Punnu Ram Jamodia, advocate Jatinder Singh Bhadwal, Sarpanch Makhan Jamo-dia and renowned Dogri folk singer Raj Kumar.
Addressing the gathering, Jalmeria said the Andolan had conducted an extensive grassroots campaign across five tehsils from January to August, during which people had expressed overwhelming support for creation of Billawar district with headquarters at Billawar.
He highlighted the difficulties faced by residents of the six hilly tehsils currently falling under Kathua district - Billawar, Ramkote, Lohai-Malhar, Bani, Mahanpur and Basohli - who have to travel long distances to reach the district headquarters at Kathua.
Jalmeria said the demand for a separate Billawar district had remained pending for decades despite repeated representations and agitations. He alleged that the area had been overlooked when new districts were created in different parts of the region.
He said the Andolan had recently met NC president Farooq Abdullah, Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who had assured support to the demand. A request for a meeting with the BJP president was stated to be pending.
The convention subsequently gave a call for a mass rally at Billawar in support of the district demand, which received the support of the gathering.
Advocate Jatinder Singh Bhadwal, Makhan Jamodia, Krishan Singh Jasrotia, Raj Kumar and Punnu Ram Jamodia also addressed the convention and appealed to people to participate in the proposed rally. They highlighted the poor condition of road connectivity in the hilly areas.
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