The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed disruptions on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, following contentious remarks regarding the Pir Panjal region, escalating into a political standoff as BJP MLA Sunil Sharma refused to apologize for his statements. The situation was further inflamed by allegations of bias against the Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, leading to a walkout by BJP legislators and repeated adjournments of the House.
The discord arose during a session addressing a motion of thanks to the Lieutenant Governor's address when BJP members accused Speaker Rather of favoring the ruling alliance by allocating them more speaking time while allegedly curtailing opposition interventions. Despite appeals from the Speaker, BJP members walked out in protest, citing discrimination in the proceedings.
Tensions surged when Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition, reportedly asserted that the Pir Panjal region does not exist within Jammu and Kashmir. This sparked immediate and strong reactions, with Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed demanding an apology, stating that Sharma's remarks had deeply hurt the sentiments of people from Rajouri and Poonch. Several legislators, including National Conference MLA Aijaz Jan, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, and Minister Satish Sharma, supported the call for an apology.
Despite the uproar and demands for retraction, Sunil Sharma stood firm, refusing to apologize or withdraw his statement. Sharma told reporters that Jammu and Kashmir was a single administrative unit and that no separate region by the name of Pir Panjal existed. He further suggested that people should consult historical texts to understand the traditional names of areas such as Rajouri, Poonch, and the Doda belt. Sharma stated that attempts were being made to create separate regional identities which challenge the historical and cultural unity of Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to Sharma's refusal to apologize, MLAs from the Rajouri-Poonch area staged a protest outside the Assembly building. Participating legislators, including Aijaz Jan (National Conference) and Iftikhar Ahmed (Congress), raised slogans emphasizing the identity and importance of the Pir Panjal region. Iftikhar Ahmed conveyed to reporters that the protests would persist until Sharma issued an apology, asserting that he had disrespected the people of Pir Panjal and that the region's historical significance warranted respect. Aijaz Jan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that any insult to the people of Pir Panjal, who "stand guard on the borders of the country," would not be tolerated.
The controversy is unfolding against a backdrop of demands from the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions for a National Law University in their respective areas, spurred by protests in Jammu's "Hindu heartland" seeking the university. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had previously suggested establishing the university in Kashmir.