Jammu, February 4, 2026 : Several MLAs from the Rajouri–Poonch belt on Wednesday staged a dharna outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, demanding an apology from the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma for his remarks allegedly denying the existence of the Pir Panjal region in the Union Territory.
The protest erupted after the Assembly was adjourned by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather amid loud disruptions and heated exchanges between BJP members and the ruling alliance, plunging the House into chaos.
The issue was formally raised inside the Assembly by Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, who accused the LoP of hurting public sentiments by stating that there is no Pir Panjal region in Jammu and Kashmir. The remark triggered strong reactions from legislators representing the twin border districts.
Following the adjournment, MLAs Aijaz Jan (National Conference), Iftikhar Ahmed (Congress), Javaid Iqbal, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan and Choudhary Akram assembled outside the Assembly complex and staged a sit-in, raising slogans in support of Pir Panjal and its identity.
Addressing reporters, Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed said the protest would continue until an apology is tendered.
“Unless and until the Leader of Opposition apologises, we will not allow the House to function. He has disrespected the people of Pir Panjal. The name Pir Panjal has existed for centuries and must be respected,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, NC MLA Aijaz Jan demanded that Sunil Sharma apologise on the floor of the House, stating that the remarks had deeply hurt the sentiments of the people.
“We will not tolerate any insult to the people of Pir Panjal, who stand guard on the borders of the country. Our protest will continue till an apology is made,” Jan said.
Responding to media queries, LoP Sunil Sharma refused to apologise, reiterating his stand that Pir Panjal is not an officially recognised region and that Jammu and Kashmir is a single entity.
“You cannot create such names. Jammu and Kashmir is one unit,” Sharma said, adding that people should refer to ancient texts, which mention regions like Rajouri, Poonch and the Doda belt, but not Pir Panjal as a separate entity.
The controversy has further intensified political tensions inside and outside the Assembly, with ruling alliance legislators warning of continued disruption unless the issue is resolved.
