SRINAGAR: In a significant political statement from the picturesque snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday articulated a firm position on the region's territorial integrity. He explicitly called for the re-merger of Ladakh with Jammu and Kashmir while welcoming the Bharatiya Janata Party's official rejection of any further bifurcation of the Union Territory of J&K.
CM's Clear Stance on Ladakh and Jammu
Addressing reporters after enjoying a session of snow scooter riding and skiing at the renowned resort, Omar Abdullah expressed his views on the recent political discourse. "BJP legislators initially made statements about dividing Jammu and Kashmir. Now, if Tarun Chugh, the BJP national general secretary, has clarified that this is not the party's stand, it is a good thing," he stated, acknowledging the BJP's unified position.
He further emphasized, "They separated Ladakh from J&K and ruined it. We are saying Ladakh should be merged back with J&K." The Chief Minister also firmly rejected any proposals to further divide Jammu, attributing such ideas to BJP legislators and a few individuals in Kashmir with close ties to the BJP. "We are not in favour of separating Jammu. Such theories are floated by BJP legislators and a few people in Kashmir who are close to the BJP," he asserted.
Historical Context and Ongoing Debates
The backdrop to this discussion dates to August 5, 2019, when the Union government abrogated Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This move led to the bifurcation and downgrading of J&K into two Union Territories: UT of J&K and UT of Ladakh. Since then, the political landscape has been marked by debates over further divisions.
Early this month, BJP legislator Sham Lal Sharma reignited the controversy by advocating for a separate Jammu state, alleging discrimination by "Kashmir-based rulers." This prompted responses from various political figures. Several BJP legislators, including Vikram Randhawa, have accused the Chief Minister of imposing "Kashmiri sentiment" on Jammu, while others in Kashmir, like Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone, have suggested an "amicable divorce" between the regions, citing broader issues beyond development.
Political Reactions and Shifts
In response to these developments, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has rejected the bifurcation of J&K, though she has proposed separate divisions within Jammu for specific regions. However, on Friday, the leader of opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, and BJP's Tarun Chugh reaffirmed the party's commitment to the unity of the Union Territory, stating that J&K will not be separated under any circumstances.
Following repeated statements by Sham Lal Sharma, Javid Rana, the minister for forests and environment in the state, was the first to call for Ladakh's re-merger with J&K. This demand was subsequently endorsed by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, and Omar Abdullah's reiteration signals a notable shift in the NC's stance. Previously, the party had focused primarily on restoring statehood to J&K, but now it is actively advocating for Ladakh's reintegration.
NC's Influence in Ladakh
The National Conference maintains a significant organisational footprint in Ladakh, particularly in Kargil. Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa, a former Kargil district president of the NC, won the parliamentary election with the party's support and remains closely aligned with it. Additionally, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Kargil is currently run by the NC, with senior party leader Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoo serving as its chief executive councillor, underscoring the party's ongoing influence in the region.
