New Delhi, The Indian lower house of parliament, Lok Sabha, on Wednesday, passed two bills that have implications for the representation of the Muslim majority in the legislative assembly of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These measures are seen as significant in altering the political landscape of the territory.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the first bill passed is the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill. This bill is specifically designed to increase three seats in the legislative assembly for non-Muslims, purportedly representing the Kashmiri migrant community and displaced persons. This move is perceived as an effort to dilute the Muslim majority representation in the assembly.

Furthermore, the Lok Sabha also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill. This legislation aims to redefine the category of individuals eligible for reservation in appointments and admissions within the territory. The bill is expected to open doors for outsiders in both small and large-scale appointments in IIOJK.

These bills received parliamentary endorsement following what was described as a nominal debate in the house. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking on the occasion, asserted that reserving seats for displaced individuals would provide them meaningful representation in the legislature. Shah’s comments highlighted the government’s stance on the demographic and political restructuring of the region.

In his address, Amit Shah also criticized India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, for his decision to declare a ceasefire and bring the Kashmir issue to the attention of the United Nations. Shah’s remarks implicitly acknowledged the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The passing of these bills marks a significant development in the Indian government’s approach to Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has been a focal point of contention and conflict in South Asia.