SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference president and J&K legislator Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday called for “a profound and uncompromising reassessment of the Kashmir-Jammu relationship”, advocating separation of the two regions.Even as governing National Conference, including its president Faooq Abdullah and CM Omar Abdullah, vehemently rejected such demands as divisive and echoing Pakistan’s agenda, Lone rejected the argument that the separation would translate into animosity between the people of the two regions. “Are the people of Maharashtra not our brothers? Are those from Delhi or Gujarat not our brothers? Thousands come here, and they are welcome. In the same spirit, the people of Jammu will remain our brothers tomorrow as well. God willing, even after separation, brotherhood will remain,” he said.On Farooq’s statement that a division would be against secular ethos, Lone said: “India has a population of 1.5 billion. We are barely six or seven million. Aren’t we speaking far beyond our weight? Did we ever sign a contract to safeguard secularism?” Kashmiri leaders routinely claimed the moral high ground of secularism, while students from the Valley continued to be beaten, humiliated and targeted across the country, he alleged.Kashmiris had never consented to bear this disproportionate burden of unity, he asserted. Lone said while Kashmiri Muslims remained on the frontline in the fight against terrorism, with nearly 90% of police martyrs being from the community, a “relentless campaign of hatred”, he alleged, was emanating from Jammu.As a debate rages on over the issue, with Jammu repeatedly alleging discrimination by Kashmir-centric govt, the People’s Conference chief had recently reacted strongly after BJP and a section of the high court bar association raised a demand that the National Law University proposed in Budgam be shifted to Jammu. “Maybe, the time has come for an amicable divorce. This is not just about development. Jammu has become the proverbial stick to beat Kashmiris with,” Lone said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Makes No Sense…” Ex-US Army Officer Slams Trump Over India-US RelationsUK, EU FTAs to Unlock New Export Opportunities for Assam Tea: Himanta Sarma’Rupture In World Order’: EU Blasts Trump Over ‘Bullying’; Danish MP Fires Shock Message For US PresOperation Prahar: Punjab Police Raid Locations Linked to 60 Foreign GangstersIndia Will Surpass Japan To Become 3rd Largest Economy: Gita Gopinath At World Economic Forum 2026Democracy Took Roots In India In 600 BC, Long Before The World: CEC Gyanesh KumarExplained: Why India-EU ‘Mother Of All Deals’ Matters As Trade Talks Enter Final High Stakes PhasePakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Inaugurates Fake Pizza Hut Outlet, Trolled on Social Media’Influencers, AI And Deepfakes’: Indian Army Exposes Pakistan’s Digital War During Operation SindoorIndus Waters Flashpoint: Pakistan Cries Crisis At UN As India Hardens Terror Stance Post Pahalgam123PhotostoriesHow to make Dhaba-Style Amritsari Paneer Bhurji for dinner at homeNot just the Beckhams: 5 famous family feuds that shocked the worldUnseen gems: Rare photos of Rajesh KhannaLaughter Chefs Season 3 to bring major changes: OG Arjun Bijlani, Ankita Lokhande–Vicky Jain return as Team Kaanta vs Churi endsJapanese Ambassador relishes biryani with bare hands: 6 times global leaders have shown love for Indian food10 Asian cities with the longest commute time to work2 Indian chicken dishes among top 17 in the worldDaily practices you can do for planetary balanceHow to make Chilli Paneer for evening snacking at homeBasant Panchami 2026 outfit ideas: Bollywood celebrities prove yellow is still the power colour123Hot PicksSilver price todayBudget 2026Karnataka DGP ScandalGold price predictionNitin NabinPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMatthew StaffordTravis KelceDonald Trump PlaneUdaipur Car AccidentJonathan KumingaCandace OwensDonna KelceJohn Harbaughs WifeKlay ThompsonsAshwini Vaishnaw
SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference president and J&K legislator Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday called for “a profound and uncompromising reassessment of the Kashmir-Jammu relationship”, advocating separation of the two regions.Even as governing National Conference, including its president Faooq Abdullah and CM Omar Abdullah, vehemently rejected such demands as divisive and echoing Pakistan’s agenda, Lone rejected the argument that the separation would translate into animosity between the people of the two regions. “Are the people of Maharashtra not our brothers? Are those from Delhi or Gujarat not our brothers? Thousands come here, and they are welcome. In the same spirit, the people of Jammu will remain our brothers tomorrow as well. God willing, even after separation, brotherhood will remain,” he said.On Farooq’s statement that a division would be against secular ethos, Lone said: “India has a population of 1.5 billion. We are barely six or seven million. Aren’t we speaking far beyond our weight? Did we ever sign a contract to safeguard secularism?” Kashmiri leaders routinely claimed the moral high ground of secularism, while students from the Valley continued to be beaten, humiliated and targeted across the country, he alleged.Kashmiris had never consented to bear this disproportionate burden of unity, he asserted. Lone said while Kashmiri Muslims remained on the frontline in the fight against terrorism, with nearly 90% of police martyrs being from the community, a “relentless campaign of hatred”, he alleged, was emanating from Jammu.As a debate rages on over the issue, with Jammu repeatedly alleging discrimination by Kashmir-centric govt, the People’s Conference chief had recently reacted strongly after BJP and a section of the high court bar association raised a demand that the National Law University proposed in Budgam be shifted to Jammu. “Maybe, the time has come for an amicable divorce. This is not just about development. Jammu has become the proverbial stick to beat Kashmiris with,” Lone said.
