Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir and BJP leader Sunil Sharma has expressed his concern over recent remarks made by some members of the J&K Legislative Assembly that he claimed were “glorifying” Pakistan and comparing the development situations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) with that of the Union Territory.
In a letter addressed to J-K Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on March 6, Sunil Sharma stated, “I write to you in my capacity as the Leader of Opposition, deeply concerned about certain remarks being made on the floor of this august House. It has been observed that discussions within the Assembly are increasingly veering towards subjects such as engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing the development situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) with that of our Union Territory, and, in some instances, even making remarks that could be construed as glorifying Pakistan.”
Sharma asserted that such statements pose a serious threat to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India, and are detrimental to the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. He urged the Speaker to take action and ensure that discussions undermining national interests are curtailed. Furthermore, Sharma appealed for the removal of any remarks deemed “unparliamentary, inflammatory, or prejudicial to national integrity” from the Assembly’s official records.
The BJP leader also alleged that “patriotic statements” made in the interest of the nation were being expunged from the records, while narratives that “favour or glorify Pakistan” were being allowed to remain.
Omar Abdullah Criticizes BJP Over J&K’s Division
The controversy follows remarks made by J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who took jabs at BJP members in the Assembly over the decision to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Abdullah argued that this division contradicted the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh, who shaped the state.
Referring to recent comments by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Omar Abdullah questioned the BJP-led government’s resolve to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He stated, “If we look at the legacy of Maharaja Sahab, what were the biggest things – Jammu and Kashmir state, what have you done to this… He gave it shape… one portion is in Pakistan occupation. On this, the Foreign Minister said that we will bring it back. Who stopped… have we ever said don’t bring it back?”
Abdullah further highlighted the issue of territories under China’s illegal occupation and asked why the focus was solely on POJK. “In the map of Jammu and Kashmir, one portion is under Pakistan occupation, but there is a portion under the illegal occupation of China as well. Why is that not talked of, when you bring back from that side, bring back what is with China also,” he remarked.
Jaishankar’s Response on Kashmir Issue
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at Chatham House in London, emphasized the government’s steps to address the Kashmir issue, including the abrogation of Article 370, restoring economic growth, and holding elections with a high turnout. In response to a question on Kashmir, Jaishankar stated, “The part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir solved.”
He also highlighted that Pakistan is in illegal occupation of approximately 78,000 sq km of Indian territory in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, while China continues to occupy approximately 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in Ladakh. Additionally, Pakistan had illegally ceded 5,180 sq km of Indian territory in Shaksgam Valley to China.