Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly staged a walkout on Wednesday after heated exchanges, as the party’s Leader of Opposition rejected demands for divisional status for the Pir Panjal valley and denied the existence of such a distinct region.
The controversy erupted during proceedings in the Assembly, where BJP members accused the Speaker of bias and protested against what they described as attempts to fragment Jammu and Kashmir along regional and communal lines. According to details received by The Chenab Times, Sunil Sharma, the Leader of Opposition, emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir should be viewed as one unified entity, drawing on its historical foundations under Maharaja Hari Singh. He stated that the party would not support any moves to create separate regional identities, including for areas such as the Pir Panjal valley, which encompasses the districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Sharma’s remarks represented a shift from earlier positions articulated by some senior BJP leaders in recent months, who had advocated for separate statehood for the Jammu region. He specifically challenged references to the Pir Panjal valley, asserting that no such place officially exists and that the area was historically known as the Chandrabhaga division. He described demands for divisional status for Rajouri and Poonch as part of a broader plan to divide Jammu and Kashmir on communal grounds.
The comments provoked strong reactions from members of the ruling National Conference (NC) and Congress. Javed Rana, an NC minister representing the Mendhar constituency in the Pir Panjal valley, defended the region’s distinct identity. He highlighted its mentions in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata and Rajatarangini, and its cultural and historical significance, including sacrifices during events in 1947 and Operation Sindoor. Rana argued that denying the region’s identity insulted its people and martyrs, and undermined the pluralistic character of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that a minority should not be permitted to dominate the majority in administrative matters.
Amid the uproar, with noisy protests and sloganeering from both sides, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned the House for 15 minutes. NC and Congress legislators demanded an apology from Sharma for his statements on the Pir Panjal region. BJP members countered by standing in support of their leader and later walked out, alleging that the Speaker was defending the ruling alliance and unfairly allocating time during debates.
The incident highlighted ongoing tensions in Jammu and Kashmir over administrative divisions and regional recognition. The Pir Panjal valley, comprising Rajouri and Poonch districts along the international border, has seen persistent calls for separate divisional status to address challenges related to terrain, connectivity, and access to services. These demands have gained traction in recent years, with political parties differing sharply on their implications for the union territory’s unity.
Sharma maintained his position after the adjournment, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir remains an undivided unit and that efforts to introduce new regional labels were politically motivated. The walkout and protests underscored deep political fault lines in the Assembly, where debates on identity, governance, and historical unity continue to shape legislative proceedings.
The episode occurred during the ongoing budget session, adding to disruptions in the House as members navigated sensitive questions of regional equity within Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk