Rajouri-Poonch MLAs Protest Outside J&K Assembly Over Controversial Pir Panjal Remarks

Jammu, Feb 4: Several MLAs from Rajouri and Poonch staged a protest outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, demanding an apology from Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma over his controversial claim that the Pir Panjal region does not exist.

The demonstration came after Assembly proceedings descended into chaos, prompting Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn the House. Tensions escalated as BJP and ruling alliance members clashed verbally during the debate.

Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed raised the issue in the House, alleging that Sharma’s remarks hurt the sentiments of people from the Pir Panjal region. Joining the protest were NC MLA Aijaz Jan and other representatives from Rajouri and Poonch, including Javaid Iqbal, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, and Choudhary Akram, who raised slogans defending the region.

Ahmed told reporters, “Unless LoP Sunil Sharma tenders an apology, we will not allow the House to function. He has disrespected the people of Pir Panjal and must acknowledge the historical significance of the region.” Jan added, “We will continue our protest until an apology is issued. Insulting the people who defend our borders is unacceptable.”

Sunil Sharma, when approached, refused to retract his statement, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is a single entity. “You cannot create such names. Jammu and Kashmir is one unit,” he said, advising people to refer to historical texts for the names of Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda.