J-K assembly adjourned amid controversy over LoP’s remark on Pir Panjal

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was adjourned for 15 minutes on Wednesday following a heated uproar over a reported statement by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma , who allegedly said in an interview that “Pir Panjal does not exist.” The Pir Panjal range , a prominent part of the inner Himalayas, separates the Jammu region from the Kashmir Valley and is home to several border communities.

The remark sparked immediate outrage among legislators, particularly from Congress and National Conference members, who demanded an apology on the Floor of the House . Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmad said, “He has disrespected the people of Pir Panjal,” referring to Poonch and Rajouri districts . Ahmad added that the LoP’s comment insulted the martyrs from the region who sacrificed their lives defending India’s borders.

The uproar began towards the end of the Question Hour when Ahmad raised the issue, joined by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary , Minister Satish Sharma , and several independent legislators. BJP members strongly opposed the demand for an apology. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather attempted to calm tensions, but some lawmakers moved towards the Well of the House, leading to a standoff and the subsequent 15-minute adjournment .

The controversy stems from the LoP’s dismissal of Pir Panjal, which lawmakers argued hurts the sentiments of local residents and dishonours the sacrifices of those who defended the borders. National Conference MLA Aijaz Jan said, “We will continue protests until he apologises. Insult to those defending our borders will not be tolerated.”

The incident underscores the se nsitivity surrounding regional identities and border issues in the Assembly and has set the stage for further political confrontation.