A breath of fresh air in a stale political ecosystem is how Ik Jatt, a supporter of Jammu – a new political party launched on Thursday – describes it after it was registered by the Election Commission of India.
Ik Jatt Jammu chief Ankur Sharma said, “This is the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir that a Jammu specific – all its 10 districts have been included and duly registered by the Election Commission of India.” ,
Sharma said that his party will contest the assembly elections on all 43 seats in Jammu. “We have nothing to do with Kashmir,” he said.
“This is a turning point for the patriotic people of Jammu who believe in the idea, unity and sovereignty of India. The otherwise choiceless Jammu region now has a political option that is an alternative political vehicle.”
Sharma, a prominent lawyer from Jammu, has demanded a separate Jammu state since the formation of the party two to three years ago. He is not in a hurry about Kashmir saying that it should continue as a Union Territory, which is directly governed by the Centre.
“My vision is clear. I am unambiguous. Full statehood to Jammu, minus Kashmir and non-interference from Delhi,” he told News18 over phone from Jammu.
We want to free Jammu from Kashmir. It has been ignored for a long time,” he said.
He said that Kashmiri leaders have nothing to do with Jammu nor will they take any dictation from Delhi. “We are in favor of overall progress of the Jammu region,” he said.
The senior lawyer-politician said his party was inclusive and would take over Muslim-dominated districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch.
Asked whether a separate Jammu state would have a Hindu chief minister, Sharma deferred the question saying being a new party, it wants a chief minister to be from Jammu.
He said that the party has received an overwhelming response as more than 10000 people have already signed up as members. “Even some BJP leaders are approaching us to join our party, but refused to be named,” he claimed.
Asked whether minorities especially Gujjar and Bakarwal population are willing to join him, Sharma said he too has felt that the existing parties in J&K are exploiting them for votes. “They have understood that politicians are dividing them to get votes. They see hope in a new party.”
“Many people are telling us that we will divide Hindu votes but we have made it clear that we are for Jammu and there is no Kashmir in our plans and Jammu cannot be pulled down in a new system.”
“We are only for the pride and progress of Jammu and Jammu,” he reiterated. It is too early to say whether Sharma’s party can make a dent in the old parties.
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