Srinagar, April 5: The Jammu and Kashmir government is facing trouble over its decision to classify all residents of Jammu as Dogras, seen by many as a prelude to carving out a separate Jammu state.

Dogra certificates will be issued to all people residing in the 10 districts of Jammu, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds or mother tongue, by the state’s revenue, relief and rehabilitation department. It is headed by Congress minister Raman Bhalla, whose party is part of the ruling coalition led by Omar Abdullah’s National Conference (NC).

But the move has triggered opposition from both separatist and some mainstream parties. Jammu is inhabited by the Dogras, Paharis, Gujjars, Kashmiris and several other ethic groups. Dogras are mostly Hindus and originally referred to as upper-caste Rajputs. But the term is now frequently used for all those speaking the Dogri language.

Bhalla said the certificates would be issued to all those whose forefathers were residents of Jammu division prior to 1944. Refugees from Pakistan occupied-Kashmir who migrated to Jammu during Partition can also get it.

Officials in Bhalla’s department said the purpose was to make all the “original residents” of Jammu and such PoK refugees eligible for recruitment in the army’s Dogra regiment where there is reservation for the group.

Panchayat elections in the state are to be held this month and the Dogras have traditionally supported the Congress, although the party’s official stand is that it is opposed to the formation of a separate Jammu state.

But sources said Bhalla’s decision had taken ally NC by surprise. “It is a policy decision and had to be taken by the cabinet. But the minister did it on his own. Our party high command alone can comment on it,” a leader said.

Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani alleged it was an attempt to alter the demographic status of the state by settling Dogri-speaking “outsiders”. Historian and Congress leader Hari Om, however, defended the decision saying it was the “only right” decision taken in the state in the past 63 years.