Jammu Pradesh Peoples Movement(JPPM) was founded in June 9th 2020 by Neeraj Singh Dogra. JPPM has worked extensively in the last 6 years to highlight the demand of the separate statehood of Jammu Pradesh and answered questions regarding the statehood demand.
Common Questions and Answers on the Statehood Demand for Jammu Division Based on discussions and posts associated with #JammuPradesh and #JPPM (Jammu Pradesh People’s Movement), here is a compiled list of frequently raised questions and corresponding answers. These are synthesized from public narratives, including X posts, spaces, and advocacy efforts.
The demand centers on creating a separate state for the Jammu division (comprising 10 districts) to address historical discrimination under Kashmir-centric governance, following the 2019 bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into union territories.
1. What is the statehood demand for Jammu division?
The demand is for a separate state called “Jammu Pradesh,” including all 10 districts of the Jammu province (i.e., Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri, and Poonch). Advocates argue this would free Jammu from being treated as a “colony” of Kashmir, allowing self-governance, a dedicated Chief Minister, and direct access to central resources. This is seen as a democratic correction, not separatism, to empower a region that constitutes about 65% of the former J&K’s geography but has been marginalized.
2. Why is there a demand for separate statehood for Jammu?
Jammu has faced decades of systemic discrimination, including skewed resource allocation (e.g., 70% of revenue from Jammu but disproportionate development in Kashmir), underrepresentation in jobs, administration, and politics, cultural erasure (e.g., Dogri and Pahari languages vs. Kashmiri dominance), and infrastructure neglect (e.g., poor roads, electricity, tourism promotion). Proponents claim Kashmir-based politicians have radicalized policies, leading to alienation. Separate statehood would ensure regional autonomy, boost security in border areas, and promote Jammu’s unique identity (temple-centric culture, pluralistic society) without Kashmir’s influence.
3. Is the demand for Jammu Pradesh about dividing India or separatism?
No, advocates emphasize it’s about “democratic empowerment” and “correction,” not division. Jammu is portrayed as a patriotic, nationalist region (e.g., Dogras historically integrated with India via Praja Parishad struggles). It would strengthen India by stabilizing the area, countering radical elements from Kashmir, and allowing Jammu to develop independently. Unity doesn’t mean erasing Jammu’s identity; it’s about fair governance.
4. What role does delimitation play in this demand?
While delimitation (redrawing constituencies based on population) might increase Jammu’s seats in a joint assembly, advocates argue it’s insufficient. It won’t address core issues like Kashmir-dominated bureaucracy, fiscal injustice, or cultural marginalization. Full statehood is seen as the only long-term solution to prevent Jammu from remaining subservient.
5. Why now, after the 2019 abrogation of Article 370?
The abrogation ended special status but kept Jammu tied to Kashmir in a union territory, perpetuating imbalances. Recent events, like perceived favoritism in projects (e.g., medical colleges, legal universities), sports selections, and settlements (e.g., Rohingyas), have intensified the demand. With BJP’s strong presence in Jammu (29 MLAs), it’s viewed as an opportune moment, though delays risk deepening alienation among a tax-contributing, law-abiding population.
6. What would Jammu Pradesh look like?
It would be a full state with its own Chief Minister, assembly, and policies focused on Jammu’s needs: promoting tourism, film industry, economy, and culture. It could include up to 16 districts if expanded. Kashmir could become a Chandigarh-type union territory to manage security concerns. This is pitched as enhancing national security in border regions.
7. Is there opposition to this demand?
Yes, from Kashmir-based leaders (e.g., Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti) who call it divisive and warn it would weaken Jammu or create more demands. Some Jammu politicians (e.g., from Congress, DPAP) prioritize restoring joint J&K statehood and reclaiming POJK (Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir). Critics argue it could lead to further fragmentation, but supporters counter that ignoring it sustains inequality.
8. How does this relate to national security and integration?
Proponents, including military veterans, argue separating Jammu would “dissect” the Kashmir issue, isolating radical elements and bolstering border security. Jammu’s nationalist Dogras would be empowered, reducing Kashmir’s leverage. It’s framed as aligning with India’s interests, not against them.
9. What about restoring statehood to the entire J&K UT?
Central leaders (e.g., Amit Shah, Jitendra Singh) have committed to restoring statehood post-delimitation and elections, but Jammu advocates say this would revert to pre-2019 imbalances. They demand Jammu-specific statehood first to prevent Kashmir dominance.
10. Is this feasible politically?
It’s gaining momentum with support from BJP leaders in Jammu, civil society, and cross-party voices. Polls and surveys show strong local backing, but it requires central approval. Delays are attributed to electoral compulsions or focus on Kashmir.
Efforts of JPPM in Spreading Awareness and Building the Narrative for Jammu and India
JPPM (Jammu Pradesh People’s Movement), founded by Neeraj Singh Dogra (@dogra_ns), is a grassroots advocacy group pushing for Jammu’s statehood. It positions Jammu as an integral, nationalist part of India, countering Kashmir-centric narratives. Key efforts include: –
Digital Campaigns and Hashtag Activism: Regularly using #JammuPradesh and #JPPM to trend discussions on X. Encouraging users to change their profiles (e.g., location to “Jammu Pradesh”) and share personal stories of discrimination. Posts highlight Jammu’s contributions to India (e.g., integration struggles, tax revenue) while exposing imbalances. –
X Spaces and Live Discussions : Hosting audio spaces to educate on Jammu’s history, discrimination, and the need for statehood. For example, sessions in 2022 discussed ending “70 years of slavery” under Kashmiri politicians, attracting dignitaries and building momentum.
– Polls and Surveys: Conducting online polls to gauge public sentiment, showing overwhelming support among Jammu residents. These are shared to demonstrate “Jan Aadesh” (people’s mandate) for Jammu Pradesh.
– Protests and Demonstrations: Organizing rallies across Jammu districts, including demands for holidays on cultural icons like Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday (September 23) to celebrate Dogra heritage. Efforts like street protests against power cuts and infrastructure neglect tie into the broader statehood narrative.
– Signature Campaigns and Public Mobilization: Launching drives (e.g., via allied groups like IkkJutt Jammu) to collect signatures for separate statehood, emphasizing national requirements and saving Jammu from “Kashmirization.”
– Media and Narrative Building: Engaging journalists, editors (e.g., Jammu Newspapers Editors Guild), and influencers to amplify voices. Posts counter “Kashmir Jihad” narratives, promote Jammu’s distinct identity (Dogri culture, pluralism), and frame statehood as strengthening India. Collaborations with military figures highlight security benefits.
– Educational Outreach: Sharing historical facts (e.g., Jammu’s larger landmass, fudged censuses favoring Kashmir) and videos of leaders demanding statehood. Efforts extend to countering opposition by portraying JPPM as a “beacon of light” for Jammu’s interests, with slogans like “Jan Aadesh Jammu Pradesh.” These activities have built a narrative of Jammu as a victim of colonial-like rule, deserving empowerment to contribute more to India’s growth and security. Support spans civil society, BJP leaders, and veterans, with growing national backing.
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