Srinagar, June 4 -- In the intricate machinery of local governance in Jammu and Kashmir, the twin roles of lumberdar and chowkidar were once pivotal-trusted eyes and ears of the state in both urban and rural areas. Appointed as intermediaries between the administration and the populace, they were responsible for maintaining public order, assisting in revenue collection, and providing local intelligence.
However, the system, conceived over a century ago during colonial rule, is now groaning under the weight of unprecedented demographic shifts.
What was once a sensible ratio-one lumberdar or chowkidar for every 100 families in rural areas, and one for every 100 to 150 families in urban settings-has now become obsolete. With population figur...