National Conference leaders oppose further division of Jammu and Kashmir, citing lack of widespread demand and historical unity
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmad Rana has rejected calls for separate statehood for the Jammu region, describing such demands as unviable and noting the absence of support from key areas including the Pir Panjal region encompassing Rajouri and Poonch districts, and the Chenab Valley.
The debate over regional statehood in Jammu and Kashmir revives longstanding discussions on administrative divisions following the 2019 reorganization that bifurcated the former state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and Ladakh without one. Proposals for further separation risk deepening regional divisions in a sensitive border area historically marked by efforts to maintain unity amid diverse ethnic, religious, and geographic compositions. Such demands emerge against the backdrop of ongoing calls for restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, promised by the central government post-2019 but yet to be implemented. For residents of the Chenab Valley and other parts of Jammu division, the issue underscores concerns over equitable development, resource allocation, and political representation without fragmentation.
The controversy stems from recent statements by Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Sham Lal Sharma, who renewed demands for separate statehood for Jammu, alleging discrimination by Kashmir-based administrations and highlighting perceived nationalism in the region. Sharma claimed the demand dates back to 2010. Similar sentiments were echoed by BJP spokesperson Rajni Sethi, who alleged Jammu suffers due to influences in Kashmir. These remarks have been criticized as attempts to create rifts. In response, Minister Rana, responsible for Jal Shakti, Environment, and Tribal Affairs, stated that Jammu and Kashmir was once a full-fledged state before parts were separated, including the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory in 2019. He emphasized no broad-based demand exists for Jammu statehood from areas like Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley.
As of January 2026, the Omar Abdullah-led government continues to prioritize unified development across Jammu and Kashmir regions. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed the separate statehood demand as indicative of political failure by opponents, questioning why such separation was not pursued in 2019. The administration points to measures like restoring the Darbar Move as evidence of commitment to Jammu’s development. Meanwhile, protests persist in Ladakh demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards, which ruling party leaders cite as evidence of challenges post-separation.
Javed Ahmad Rana stated, “There has been no demand for a separate Jammu state from Pir Panjal or Chenab regions. I believe the day is not far when Ladakh will again become part of Jammu and Kashmir.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that opponents “separated Ladakh and ruined it completely. Now, if they want to separate Jammu and ruin it as well, let them do it.” National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said, “The government would not allow BJP members to create a rift between Jammu and Kashmir. We believe in equitable development of both regions.”
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The Chenab Times News Desk
