Jammu, Jan 19— Senior BJP leader and former cabinet minister Sham Lal Sharma on Monday reiterated his demand for a separate Jammu state, alleging that unrest in Kashmir had affected peace in the Jammu region.
“Kashmir has disturbed Jammu’s peace,” Sharma told reporters, adding that “Jammu would be far better off if it were separated from Kashmir.”
Sharma claimed that “Jammu has more natural and economic resources than Kashmir” and alleged that “Kashmir depends largely on tourism alone.
Read more | Who is calling for further division of Jammu and Kashmir — and why
He further asserted that “nearly 80 per cent of electricity is produced in the Jammu region” and said that “Jammu also has a stronger agricultural sector.”
Reiterating his long-standing demand, Sharma said, “If Jammu becomes a separate state, it will emerge as the most progressive and peaceful state in the country.”
He also demanded the establishment of a National Law University in Jammu, saying, “Funds for the university have already been provided by the Centre.”
Sharma alleged financial disparities in the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, claiming, “Eighty per cent of deposits come from the people of Jammu,” and added that “out of nearly Rs 20,000 crore in non-performing assets, Rs 18,000 crore pertain to Kashmir.”
Describing his remarks as personal views, Sharma said, “Jammu has faced discrimination for a long time,” while maintaining that “the idea of a separate Jammu state will sooner or later take root.”
Recalling past events, Sharma said, “In 2010, when I was a cabinet minister, I raised the issue of separating Jammu from Kashmir,” arguing that “violence in Kashmir was impacting the peaceful atmosphere of Jammu.”