Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday advocated an “amicable divorce” between Jammu and Kashmir over recurring development disputes, while BJP MP Jugal Kishore dismissed separate statehood demands, reiterating his party’s commitment to restoring statehood to the newly carved Union Territory.
Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone said the time has arrived to “reconsider the administrative arrangement” between Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Lone is the first political leader from the Valley to openly call for separation of the two distinct regions of Jammu & Kashmir after renewed calls for separate Jammu state by some pro-BJP elements.
In an official press statement, Lone has said the time has come for “amicable divorce” between Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
“Maybe time has come for an amicable divorce. It is not only about developmental matters. Jammu has become the proverbial stick to beat the Kashmiri with,” the statement said. “I think the people of Kashmir too can’t take it anymore… I am sure the desire for divorce is much, much higher in Kashmir than it ever was. Need leadership to call a spade a spade”.
Lone’s statement followed demands from sections in Jammu seeking relocation of the newly sanctioned National Law University from Budgam district in central Kashmir to their region, alongside calls for Jammu’s separation from Kashmir.
He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to honour his electoral pledge of establishing the Law University in Budgam, stressing that the credibility of the chief minister’s office depended on fulfilling commitments made to the electorate.
The People’s Conference leader maintained that Kashmir’s relationship with the rest of India cannot be strengthened through what he described as “middlemen” who, in his view, repeatedly harm the region’s image. He said dialogue and integration efforts lose credibility when Kashmiris are collectively branded or excluded from fair political representation.
Lone also pointed to changing sentiments in the Valley, claiming that discontent has grown over issues such as reservations, administrative decisions, and perceived sidelining of Kashmiri voices. He asserted that calls for separation now resonate more strongly among sections of the population than in the past, and political leadership must address these concerns openly.
While Lone did not outline a formal roadmap for separation, he emphasised that any discussion should be constitutional, democratic, and non-violent. The issue is expected to spark wider political reactions, especially as Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate post-reorganisation challenges and debates over statehood, autonomy, and regional balance.
Peoples Conference says, Sentiments changed in Kashmir
Lone said feelings about regional relations in Kashmir have changed sharply. He said Kashmiris are being sidelined on issues like reservations, and people can no longer tolerate this.
He said he is confident that the demand for separation in Kashmir is stronger than ever, and that political leadership now needs to speak clearly on the issue.
It is worth noting that BJP MLA Shyam Lal Sharma recently sparked controversy by calling for a separate state for Jammu. However, the BJP’s state president later distanced the party from his remarks, saying it was not the party’s official position.
Lone says, No need for middlemen
Lone said Kashmir’s relationship with the rest of India cannot be built through people who constantly damage Kashmir’s image.
He said Kashmir cannot be connected to the country through such intermediaries who repeatedly label Kashmir as a terrorist region and defame its people.
Lone also pointed to changing sentiments in the Valley, claiming that discontent has grown over issues such as reservations, administrative decisions, and perceived sidelining of Kashmiri voices. He asserted that calls for separation now resonate more strongly among sections of the population than in the past, and political leadership must address these concerns openly.
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