Srinagar/Jammu: The political temperature in Jammu & Kashmir has hit a boiling point. J&K Cabinet Minister Javid Ahmad Rana has categorically rejected the demand for a separate “Jammu State,” a topic recently reignited by BJP leaders. In a fiery statement on Saturday (Jan 10), Rana asserted that the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions would never agree to separate from Kashmir, declaring, “The minority cannot rule the majority. This is the law of nature.”
Baseless and Impossible:
Rana’s Strong Words Reacting to recent comments by BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma, who advocated for a separate state for the Jammu region citing discrimination, Javid Rana termed the idea “imaginary.”
Speaking to reporters, Rana asked:
“Create a separate Jammu if you want, but who will be with you? You won’t have the Pir Panjal region (Rajouri-Poonch). You won’t have the Chenab Valley (Doda-Kishtwar). You won’t have Kashmir. So, who is left? Just a few districts?”
He further added the quote that has gone viral:
“The minority cannot rule the majority. How can they? By force? That is not possible in a democracy.”
The “Kanak Mandi” Jibe
In a sharp dig at the proponents of the division, Rana mocked that those demanding a separate state are essentially trying to make “Kanak Mandi” (a small wholesale market area in Jammu city) into a state. “Those who divided J&K earlier (in 2019) are now trying to divide it further. But I tell you, the day is not far when even Ladakh will rejoin us to form a united Jammu & Kashmir again,” he claimed.
Why is this Trending Now?
The debate resurfaced after BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma stated that “Jammu has always been discriminated against” and that a separate state is the only solution. This has triggered a massive counter-reaction from National Conference (NC) leaders, who view this as an attempt to further fragment the region on religious and regional lines.
The Ground Reality
Rana’s statement highlights the complex demography of the Jammu division.
- Pir Panjal & Chenab Valley: These sub-regions have significant Muslim populations who historically align more with the Kashmir Valley’s political narrative than with the Jammu plains.
- The Conflict: Any attempt to carve out a “Jammu State” would face stiff resistance from these two key sub-regions, effectively making the division geographically and politically messy.
Key Highlights:
- The Quote: “Minority cannot rule majority.”
- The Prediction: Rana claims Ladakh will eventually reunite with J&K.
- The Rejection: Pir Panjal and Chenab will not accept separation from Kashmir.
Conclusion: Javid Rana’s statement has drawn a clear line in the sand. While the BJP pushes the “discrimination” narrative to consolidate its base in the Jammu plains, the National Conference is leveraging the distinct identity of Pir Panjal and Chenab to counter it. The “Statehood” battle is no longer just about Delhi vs. Kashmir; it is now Jammu vs. Jammu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: J&K Minister Javid Rana rejected the demand for a separate Jammu state, stating that the “minority cannot rule the majority.” He asserted that the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions would never agree to separate from Kashmir to join a hypothetical Jammu state.
Ans: The demand was recently reignited by BJP leader and former minister Sham Lal Sharma, who claimed that Jammu faces discrimination and that statehood is the only solution.
Ans: In a sarcastic jibe at the BJP, Javid Rana said that those demanding a separate state are essentially trying to make “Kanak Mandi” (a small wholesale market in Jammu city) into a state, implying that the demand has very limited geographical support.
Ans: According to Javid Rana, the day is not far when Ladakh will be reunited with J&K. He claimed that the division of the state was a mistake that would eventually be corrected.
