Jammu, Feb 04: Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday strongly criticised Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly over remarks concerning the Pir Panjal region, calling them historically inaccurate and divisive.
Intervening during the proceedings, Rana rejected what he described as an attempt to portray Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Pir Panjal region, through a narrow dynastic and majoritarian lens. “Jammu & Kashmir was never a Dogra state. What history are they invoking? The mindset of ruling over minorities is something I will never endorse,” Rana said, asserting that the region’s historical and cultural identity could not be reduced to selective narratives.
Referring to the Pir Panjal region, Rana said its boundaries, history and people were well documented and could not be wished away through political rhetoric. “They are challenging a vast expanse whose boundaries are formidable and enduring,” he said.
Expressing anguish over what he termed provocative remarks, the Minister recited a couplet in the House to underline the emotional impact of such discourse:
“Jee chahta hai ki dil ko aag laga doon;
Par dar lagta hai ki harjaie bae-ghar na ho jai’.”
Rana cited historical sources including the Mahabharata, Rajatarangini and Tuzk-e-Jahangiri to argue that the Pir Panjal region and its people have been consistently referenced in classical and medieval texts. He said these accounts reflected the region’s cultural depth and historical continuity.
He also reminded the House of the sacrifices made by people from the region since 1947, stating that many had laid down their lives in defence of the country. Questioning the region’s identity or belonging, he said, amounted to disregarding those sacrifices.
“The Pir Panjal is not merely a geographical entity; it represents courage, culture and sacrifice,” Rana said, cautioning against rhetoric that could undermine social cohesion.
Legislators from the Pir Panjal region across party lines also criticised the remarks made by the Leader of Opposition during the debate, expressing solidarity with Rana’s objections.
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