Jammu, Feb 4:
The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) has joined the growing chorus of condemnation against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader Sunil Sharma, following his controversial remarks questioning the existence of the Pir Panjal region.
In a powerful joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Pir Panjal unit of the JKAP described Sharma’s statements as “reckless” and “derogatory,” asserting that they have deeply hurt the sentiments of the people across the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Apni Party Leaders Stand in Solidarity
The press note was backed by a long list of senior party leaders, including:
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Shah Mohd Tantary (Former MLA & Senior VP, Jammu Province)
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Syed Manzoor Bukhari (District President, Rajouri)
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Bashir Ahmed Khaki (District President, Poonch & Coordinator Pir Panjal Region)
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Arun Kumar Sharma, Raqeeq Ahmed Khan (Spokesperson), Raiz Atish, Zulfiqar Kazmi, and Musarat Malik.
The leaders expressed “unwavering solidarity” with the legislators who protested in the J&K Legislative Assembly earlier today, forcing an adjournment.
Demands for Apology and Action
The JKAP leaders did not mince words, calling Sunil Sharma’s stance an display of “hubris and disdain” toward a sensitive and underdeveloped region. They have laid out three clear demands:
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Unconditional Apology: An immediate and public apology from the LoP to the people of Pir Panjal.
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Halt in Proceedings: A demand that House proceedings remain suspended until the insult is addressed.
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Political Unity: An appeal to all regional legislators to transcend party lines and unite for the “collective crusade” of the region’s advancement.
The “NLU” Connection
The party reaffirmed that the demand for a National Law University (NLU) in the Pir Panjal region remains a top priority. They highlighted that the region’s residents have always been “steadfast sentinels” of peace and national security, deserving respect rather than “calumny.”
“The people of Pir Panjal have always exemplified unwavering patriotism, safeguarding our borders with their lives. Any further effort to belittle this region will encounter resolute, democratic opposition,” the party warned.
The controversy continues to simmer as the BJP maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an undivided entity, while local regional parties see the LoP’s remarks as an attempt to erase their distinct cultural and geographic identity.
