Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP leader Sunil Sharma has voiced strong concerns over remarks made by certain members in the Legislative Assembly, particularly those advocating talks with Pakistan, comparing the development situations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) and the Union Territory, and allegedly “glorifying” Pakistan.
In a letter addressed to J-K Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on March 6, Sharma expressed his concerns, stating, “I write to you in my capacity as the Leader of Opposition, deeply concerned about certain remarks being made on the floor of this august House. It has been observed that discussions within the Assembly are increasingly veering towards subjects such as engaging in talks with Pakistan, comparing the development situation in POJK with that of our Union Territory, and, in some instances, even making remarks that could be construed as glorifying Pakistan.”
Sharma further emphasized that such statements pose a threat to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India, and could harm the broader interests of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.
He urged the Speaker to take action to prevent discussions that undermine national interests, and called for the expunging of any words or remarks from the Assembly’s official records that are considered unparliamentary, inflammatory, or prejudicial to national integrity.
The BJP leader also accused the Assembly of allowing narratives that “favor or glorify Pakistan” to remain on record while expunging “patriotic statements” made in the nation’s interest.
Sharma’s letter came after J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks on Thursday criticizing BJP decisions, particularly the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Omar also referenced External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s comment about “bringing back” Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, questioning why the BJP government hadn’t acted on this during the Kargil War. He also highlighted the issue of territories under China’s illegal occupation, suggesting that this too should be addressed in discussions. (KNS)
