NLU in Kashmir a Constitutional Right, Not Subject to Pressure Politics: Advocate Haamid Bhat

President of the Kashmir Bar Association, Advocate Haamid Bhat, on Thursday asserted that the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Kashmir is a legitimate constitutional and democratic right of the people of the Valley and should not be denied due to pressure tactics by certain Jammu-based organizations.

In a statement issued here, Advocate Bhat said that Kashmir has consistently followed peaceful, lawful, and institutional means to assert its rights and will continue to do so. He emphasized that the demand for an NLU in Kashmir is based on rational grounds, including population, academic requirements, regional balance, and access to justice.

“We do not believe in violence or chaos. Our demand for an NLU is rooted in logic, academic need, and constitutional principles, not in agitation, threats, or street pressure,” he said.

Expressing concern over what he described as aggressive and disruptive methods being employed by some groups to influence the decision-making process, Advocate Bhat warned that such actions could harm regional harmony and democratic values.

“Rights cannot be secured through intimidation. Kashmir will not respond with violence, but it will not surrender its rightful claim either,” he added.

The Kashmir Bar Association President reiterated that the establishment of an NLU in Kashmir is crucial to address the educational vacuum in the Valley, strengthen legal academia, and provide equal opportunities to students who face social, financial, and geographical challenges in accessing premier legal education outside the region.

He urged the Union Territory administration and the Government of India to act with fairness, neutrality, and constitutional wisdom, and to resist what he termed as pressure politics. Any decision, he said, must reflect principles of regional justice, inclusivity, and democratic balance, rather than appeasing one region at the expense of another.

Advocate Bhat concluded by stating that Kashmir’s demand for an NLU will remain peaceful, firm, and unwavering, and called upon all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further deepening of regional divides.