Jammu, Jan 19: Senior leader and former cabinet minister Sham Lal Sharma, who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party from the Indian National Congress, made strong remarks on Kashmir while reiterating his long-standing demand for a separate Jammu state.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma alleged that the people of Kashmir lack loyalty towards the nation and claimed that unrest in the region has disrupted the traditionally peaceful atmosphere of Jammu. He asserted that Jammu would fare better if separated from Kashmir.
According to Sharma, Jammu possesses more natural and economic resources than Kashmir, which he said depends largely on tourism. He highlighted that nearly 80% of electricity is produced in Jammu and emphasized the region’s stronger agricultural sector.
Sharma also targeted the banking sector, claiming that 80% of deposits in Jammu and Kashmir Bank come from Jammu, while nearly Rs 18,000 crore of Rs 20,000 crore in non-performing assets are linked to Kashmir.
Reiterating his vision for a separate Jammu state, Sharma said the region would become progressive and peaceful if separated. He also called for the establishment of a National Law University in Jammu, noting that funding for the institution comes from the Centre.
Sharma acknowledged that Jammu has faced long-standing discrimination and emphasized that his statements reflect personal views. He maintained that the idea of a separate Jammu state would eventually gain traction.
Recalling past efforts, Sharma said that in 2010, during his tenure as a cabinet minister, he had raised the issue of Jammu-Kashmir separation in a meeting chaired by Saifuddin Soz, citing violence in Kashmir as a factor affecting Jammu’s peaceful environment.