JAMMU, Feb 4: Several MLAs from Rajouri and Poonch on Wednesday staged a dharna outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, demanding an apology from the Leader of Opposition (LoP) over remarks allegedly denying the existence of the Pir Panjal region.
The protest followed the adjournment of the House by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather after proceedings were disrupted by uproar and heated exchanges between BJP and ruling alliance members, plunging the Assembly into chaos.
The issue was raised inside the House by Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, who alleged that LoP Sunil Sharma had stated that there is no Pir Panjal region in Jammu and Kashmir, hurting the sentiments of people from the area.
Following the adjournment, MLAs from the twin districts — Aijaz Jan of the National Conference, Iftikhar Ahmed of the Congress, and Javaid Iqbal, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan and Choudhary Akram — staged a protest outside the Assembly complex, raising slogans in support of Pir Panjal.
Addressing reporters, Iftikhar Ahmed said the protest would continue until Sharma apologises. “He has disrespected the people of Pir Panjal. He should respect the name of Pir Panjal, which has been known for a long time,” he said, adding that the House would not be allowed to function otherwise.
NC MLA Aijaz Jan also demanded an apology on the floor of the House, saying the remarks had hurt public sentiment. “We will continue our protest till he apologises. We will not tolerate any insult to the people who defend the borders of this country,” he said.
Responding to the demand, Sharma refused to apologise and reiterated his stand, claiming that no such region exists in Jammu and Kashmir and that it is a single entity. “You cannot create such names. Jammu and Kashmir is one unit,” he told reporters.
He further said that people should refer to ancient texts to find references to Rajouri, Poonch and the Doda belt. (Agencies)
