FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Dec 19: Residents from various districts of North Kashmir have made an earnest appeal to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, seeking the immediate posting of an officer as Additional Commissioner-II in the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.
The demand has gained urgency as the crucial post has remained vacant for nearly a month, severely affecting public service delivery.
The vacancy was created after the transfer of the then Additional Commissioner-II, Shri Abid Hussain Kira, through Government Order No. 1503-JK(GAD) of 2025, dated November 20, 2025. However, despite the passage of several weeks since the transfer, no alternative arrangement or interim charge has been assigned, leaving the office without an officer to handle important revenue matters pertaining to North Kashmir.
The Additional Commissioner-II plays a vital role in hearing and disposing of revenue-related cases from districts such as Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and other parts of North Kashmir. In the absence of the officer, a large number of cases have remained pending, causing serious delays in administrative decisions and access to justice.
People, particularly those from remote and far-flung areas, have expressed deep concern over the situation. They allege that they are being compelled to make repeated trips to Srinagar in the hope of getting their cases heard, only to return disappointed due to the vacant post. These repeated visits, they say, have resulted in unnecessary financial burden, loss of daily wages, and considerable mental stress.
Residents further stated that many revenue cases involve land disputes, inheritance matters, and other time-sensitive issues, and prolonged delays are only aggravating problems at the grassroots level. They fear that continued inaction could further erode public confidence in the administrative system.
In view of the prevailing circumstances and keeping the larger public interest in mind, the people of North Kashmir have strongly urged the authorities to ensure the immediate posting of a competent officer as Additional Commissioner-II in the office of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. They stressed that a prompt decision would help clear the backlog of cases and ensure that public grievances are addressed efficiently and without further delay.
