M. Qaiser
The statement made by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after UPA`s intention to make Telangana a separate state has surfaced many voices in our state. In his statement Omar had expressed his worry that setting of a Telangana as a separate state may ignite the demand for separate statehood for Jammu region. Pertinently, CM`s statement has sparked a debate among the masses particularly the netizens, with a mixed response. But before making any statement about separate statehood of Jammu region, we must consider the historical background of Telangana. According to annals, Telangana was merged with Andhra state in 1956 to form present Andhra Pradesh. At that time there were several agitations in Telangana aimed to invalidate the merger. Eventually, Telangana movement took birth and almost after 60 years people of Telangana are hopeful to see Telangana again as a separate state. Now taking these facts in consideration, it is evident that demanding separate statehood for Jammu on basis of Telangana would be irrational, even talking about it is absurd. Hence the statement made by CM Omar Abdullah sounds bit immature. Omar being the head of state should not make statement that can harm the unity of the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The recent announcement of setting separate police range for Ladakh region and grant more powers to Leh & Kargil Hill Development councils has already raised apprehensions among sane voices. Any division of the existing state of J&K would not be a welcome step and surely not good for the people of Kashmir. Presently, J&K state has its own constitution and enjoys special status under article 370 of Indian constitution. If Ladakh & Jammu are separated from it or we can say taken out, they will merge completely with India without any separate constitution or article 370. Therefore division of state will weaken the identity and exclusivity of J&K state. Hence those voices who support or promote separate statehood of Jammu must review their thought.