Jammu, Feb 4:
The Pir Panjal Joint Action Committee (PPJAC) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader Sunil Sharma, condemning his recent remarks regarding the existence of the Pir Panjal region as “irresponsible and derogatory.”
The controversy, which has sparked massive protests both inside and outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, centers on Sharma’s purported statement during a media interview where he questioned the existence of “Pir Panjal” as a distinct regional entity.
“Outcome of NLU Demand”: Committee Slams LoP
In a joint statement issued today, committee leaders Naseem Liaqat and Tazeem Dar alleged that the LoP’s remarks were a direct reaction to the growing movement for a National Law University (NLU) in the twin border districts.
“The LoP’s vision of Jammu does not extend beyond the municipal limits of Jammu city. He cannot digest the legitimate demands of the Pir Panjal belt, which is why he is resorting to such baseless statements to undermine our regional identity,” the leaders stated.
Solidarity with Legislators
The PPJAC expressed full support for the MLAs from Rajouri and Poonch who stalled House proceedings today, demanding an apology. The committee called upon all regional representatives to:
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Rise above political affiliations for the collective interest of the region.
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Actively push for developmental projects, including the National Law University (NLU).
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Address long-pending educational and social concerns affecting the border population.
Assembly in Chaos
The fallout of the statement was felt in the Assembly earlier today, where Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather had to adjourn the House for 15 minutes following a high-voltage showdown.
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The Protest: Led by Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary and Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, legislators from the treasury benches and Independents raised slogans like “Jive Jive Pir Panjal” (Long Live Pir Panjal).
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The Stand-off: While the opposition demanded an apology, BJP legislators countered with slogans, maintaining that Jammu is a single unit and rejecting what they termed as “regional division.”
Warning of “Democratic Resistance”
The Joint Action Committee has warned that the people of Rajouri and Poonch will not tolerate any attempt to diminish the sacrifices and dignity of the region. They have called for a total boycott of House proceedings until Sunil Sharma tenders an unconditional apology to the people of Pir Panjal.
“Our struggle for rights and recognition will only intensify. Any attempt to erase our identity will be met with strong, democratic resistance,” the committee reaffirmed.
