A judge-turned-MLA from Jammu’s Pir Panjal region, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, has opposed the demand for a separate Jammu state, favouring “azadi” from Jammu if the division is granted statehood. Chenab Valley includes Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts, while Pir Panjal includes Rajouri and Poonch districts. Reasi district, too, is seen as part of the larger Pir Panjal range. Khan, an Independent MLA, told reporters that he believes Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are one unit, favouring the restoration of the erstwhile state. If two or three districts of Jammu can become a state, Rajouri and Poonch also have a right,” he added.

Source: The Telegraph January 18, 2026 00:35 UTC