In a heated session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Wednesday turned tumultuous over BJP’s Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s purported ignorance about the Peer Panjal region. National Conference and ally Congress MLAs erupted, insisting on a public apology and halting all proceedings.
Sharma’s comments came Tuesday during a debate on granting divisional status to Peer Panjal, a demand from several legislators representing the hilly terrain spanning Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi districts. His alleged quip questioning the region’s existence ignited benches on the ruling side.
Chaos reigned as NC members raised slogans like ‘Apologize Now!’ The din persisted despite the Speaker’s interventions, prompting short adjournments that failed to quell tempers. Upon resumption, the uproar intensified, forcing further suspensions.
‘We won’t let the house run until he retracts his words,’ thundered Rajouri’s Iftikhar Ahmad, encapsulating the sentiment. Even warnings of strict action against disruptors didn’t deter the protesters.
Adding fuel, Deputy CM Surender Choudhary lambasted BJP for hypocrisy, claiming they orchestrated the closure of a key medical college in Jammu under flimsy pretexts while feigning concern for regional equity.
This episode underscores persistent divides between Jammu’s plains and the Pir Panjal’s mountains, where underdevelopment fuels demands for autonomy. With no apology forthcoming, the assembly’s agenda—including key bills—faces indefinite delay, testing the fragile coalition’s unity and the Speaker’s authority in managing a polarized house.
