Deputy Chief Minister stresses unity and responsible political discourse; Peoples Conference chief defends call for rethinking regional relationship citing imbalance and mistrust
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Thursday rejected Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone’s remark advocating an “amicable divorce” between Jammu and Kashmir regions, terming the statement as “childish talk” and urging political leaders to act with maturity and responsibility.
Speaking to reporters, the Deputy Chief Minister said that such language does not help address the real issues faced by the people of the Union Territory. While acknowledging Lone’s political lineage and the contributions of his late father, Abdul Gani Lone, Choudhary said the choice of words used by the Peoples Conference chief was inappropriate and could deepen regional divisions.
“Political discourse should focus on governance, development, and public welfare, not on provocative statements that create unnecessary fault lines,” the Deputy Chief Minister said, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is one unit and must move forward together.
Sajad Lone’s Argument: Call to Rethink the Relationship
Sajad Lone had earlier sparked a political debate by suggesting that it may be time to consider an “amicable divorce” between the Jammu and Kashmir regions, arguing that repeated regional disputes reflect deep-rooted mistrust and imbalance.
In a statement, Lone said that Kashmir continues to face resistance over development projects and institutional allocations, citing the controversy surrounding the proposed National Law University, initially planned for Budgam but later opposed by some leaders from Jammu. According to Lone, such opposition symbolises a larger pattern of hostility towards initiatives in Kashmir.
He claimed that Kashmir is frequently portrayed negatively and that the existing administrative framework has failed to ensure equitable treatment. Lone described himself as the first mainstream Kashmiri leader in recent times to openly articulate what he said many people feel privately — that the relationship between the two regions has become strained and counterproductive.
Lone also argued that New Delhi’s broader strategy for Kashmir should not rely on political intermediaries who, in his view, repeatedly undermine the Valley’s interests and image.
Government’s Stand: Unity Over Division
Responding to Lone’s remarks, the Deputy Chief Minister cautioned against rhetoric that could inflame regional sentiments, especially in a politically sensitive Union Territory that has undergone major administrative changes since 2019.
Choudhary also questioned Lone’s political consistency, pointing out what he described as contradictions in Lone’s opposition to certain national parties while maintaining ambiguous political alignments.
The government, he said, remains committed to balanced development, inclusive governance, and regional harmony, and believes that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than divisive analogies.
Political Context
The exchange comes amid renewed debates over regional equity, development priorities, and political representation in Jammu and Kashmir following its reorganisation into a Union Territory. Issues related to institutional distribution, infrastructure projects, and regional identity continue to dominate political discussions across party lines.
As reactions continue to emerge, the controversy highlights the fragile nature of regional politics in Jammu and Kashmir, where leaders are increasingly being called upon to balance dissent, dialogue, and unity in public discourse.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Thursday rejected Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone’s remark advocating an “amicable divorce” between Jammu and Kashmir regions, terming the statement as “childish talk” and urging political leaders to act with maturity and responsibility.
Speaking to reporters, the Deputy Chief Minister said that such language does not help address the real issues faced by the people of the Union Territory. While acknowledging Lone’s political lineage and the contributions of his late father, Abdul Gani Lone, Choudhary said the choice of words used by the Peoples Conference chief was inappropriate and could deepen regional divisions.
“Political discourse should focus on governance, development, and public welfare, not on provocative statements that create unnecessary fault lines,” the Deputy Chief Minister said, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is one unit and must move forward together.
Sajad Lone’s Argument: Call to Rethink the Relationship
Sajad Lone had earlier sparked a political debate by suggesting that it may be time to consider an “amicable divorce” between the Jammu and Kashmir regions, arguing that repeated regional disputes reflect deep-rooted mistrust and imbalance.
In a statement, Lone said that Kashmir continues to face resistance over development projects and institutional allocations, citing the controversy surrounding the proposed National Law University, initially planned for Budgam but later opposed by some leaders from Jammu. According to Lone, such opposition symbolises a larger pattern of hostility towards initiatives in Kashmir.
He claimed that Kashmir is frequently portrayed negatively and that the existing administrative framework has failed to ensure equitable treatment. Lone described himself as the first mainstream Kashmiri leader in recent times to openly articulate what he said many people feel privately — that the relationship between the two regions has become strained and counterproductive.
Lone also argued that New Delhi’s broader strategy for Kashmir should not rely on political intermediaries who, in his view, repeatedly undermine the Valley’s interests and image.
Government’s Stand: Unity Over Division
Responding to Lone’s remarks, the Deputy Chief Minister cautioned against rhetoric that could inflame regional sentiments, especially in a politically sensitive Union Territory that has undergone major administrative changes since 2019.
Choudhary also questioned Lone’s political consistency, pointing out what he described as contradictions in Lone’s opposition to certain national parties while maintaining ambiguous political alignments.
The government, he said, remains committed to balanced development, inclusive governance, and regional harmony, and believes that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than divisive analogies.
Political Context
The exchange comes amid renewed debates over regional equity, development priorities, and political representation in Jammu and Kashmir following its reorganisation into a Union Territory. Issues related to institutional distribution, infrastructure projects, and regional identity continue to dominate political discussions across party lines.
As reactions continue to emerge, the controversy highlights the fragile nature of regional politics in Jammu and Kashmir, where leaders are increasingly being called upon to balance dissent, dialogue, and unity in public discourse.
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