Jammu: Over 83,000 domicile certificates have been issued to non-locals in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir over the past two years, according to a disclosure by local authorities during a session in the Assembly. This revelation has sparked renewed concerns among political parties in the region.

The information was provided in a written response to a question by Abdul Waheed Parra, a legislator from the Peoples Democratic Party, as reported by Kashmir Media Service. Analysts, however, suggest that the actual number of certificates issued to non-locals might be significantly higher, potentially reaching several hundred thousand.

During the same period, the total number of domicile certificates issued in the territory was reported to be 3,512,184. The announcement, though initially overshadowed by a commotion in the Assembly, has added fuel to ongoing debates over the implications of these issuances.

The session was marked by intense protests from National Conference legislators who were voicing their opposition to the Waqf Act. The protests led to continuous disruptions, forcing Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn the House for the day.

The issue of domicile certificates is expected to be a focal point in upcoming political discussions, with opposition parties indicating plans to revisit the topic when the Assembly reconvenes.