Omar Government Condemns Jammu Statehood Demands as Pakistani Plot
The Omar Abdullah administration issued a forceful response on Monday to recent calls for granting Jammu separate statehood and splitting it from Kashmir. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary led the charge, describing these demands as part of a "Pakistani and ISI agenda."
Deputy CM Calls Proponents Un-Indian
Choudhary did not mince words when addressing reporters in Jammu. He stated that individuals advocating for Jammu's separation are "playing into Pakistan's hands." The deputy chief minister went further, asserting that such people "cannot be true Indians."
He traced a historical pattern, noting Pakistan's alleged objective from the 1947 tribal invasion through decades of militancy has been to divide Jammu from Kashmir. "Those who genuinely believe in India would want Jammu and Kashmir to remain united," Choudhary emphasized. He also expressed a desire for Ladakh to rejoin Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the sacrifices made for the union territory.
"National Conference has given sacrifices for J&K and it will never allow anyone to separate Jammu from Kashmir," he declared firmly.
Political Reactions and Counter-Demands
This strong rebuttal from the elected government follows recent statements by BJP politicians. Earlier this month, former minister and BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma reignited the separate statehood debate. Sharma claimed Jammu's population is more "nationalistic" and faces discrimination from "Kashmir-based rulers." He noted first raising this issue in 2010 while serving in a Congress government.
Senior Congress member Lal Singh supported the demand on January 8, arguing smaller states enhance governance and development. He cited Ladakh's separation as a precedent that did not disrupt national unity.
From the Valley, Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone reacted to growing regional tensions. On January 14, referencing disputes over locating the National Law University, Lone suggested "maybe the time has come for an amicable divorce." He criticized how Jammu issues are sometimes used against Kashmiris.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti entered the debate on Monday with a different proposal. She advocated creating separate administrative divisions for the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions within Jammu and Kashmir. However, she explicitly rejected the idea of separate statehood for Jammu.
The political landscape now features clear divisions. The ruling National Conference firmly opposes any territorial split, labeling it anti-national. Opposition voices present varying visions, from complete separation to administrative reorganization, ensuring this debate will continue.
