Patriots will never support separate Jammu state: Dy CM

Jammu, Jan 19: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary on Monday strongly opposed the demand for a separate Jammu state, asserting that patriots would never support or raise such a demand.
Talking to reporters, Chowdhary alleged that those seeking a separate state for Jammu are acting as agents of the Inter-Services Intelligence and are supporting Pakistan’s agenda, which, he claimed, aims to divide Jammu and Kashmir.
He said such elements cannot be true Indians and are effectively furthering Pakistan’s designs. Chowdhary said that for the past three decades, militancy sponsored by Pakistan has sought to divide Jammu and Kashmir, adding that even Ladakh should remain an integral part of the region.
Referring to history, the Deputy Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir is the land of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Maharaja Hari Singh, and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and its unity cannot be compromised.
He asserted that the National Conference has always stood for unity and integrity. “We are Indians and we will remain Indians till our last breath,” Chowdhary said. [KNT]