Jammu, Jan 11 (NationPress) A group of traders and entrepreneurs in Jammu has firmly dismissed the call for a separate state for Jammu, instead advocating for statehood for J&K. This response comes on the heels of recent demands made by certain right-wing factions, including the RSS and Bajrang Dal, who have pushed for a distinct state for Jammu, claiming that the interests of this region have been undermined by political parties from the Valley.

The trading community asserted that creating a separate state for Jammu would have a detrimental impact on the economy, undermine trade, and harm national interests.

“Jammu is already grappling with insufficient independent resources and economic struggles due to diminishing business activities, lack of tourism support, and minimal government aid. Splitting from Kashmir would only exacerbate these issues and plunge traders into greater adversity. The economic connection between Jammu and Kashmir has historically been advantageous for both areas, especially in terms of trade, tourism, and job creation,” stated the traders.

“The interdependence between both regions is crucial. A division would disrupt this equilibrium, resulting in greater suffering for Jammu,” they added.

The traders expressed discontent regarding the bifurcation that led to the detachment of Ladakh, arguing that further fragmentation would only serve to weaken the region further.

Addressing claims of discrimination in Jammu, the traders remarked, “If there is discrimination, it is the responsibility of politicians to address it. Dividing communities is not the answer,” they asserted.

They criticized legislators who, they claim, engage in divisive rhetoric without contributing to development.

The traders cautioned that any additional division would be catastrophic for regional harmony and detrimental to the nation.

“We vehemently oppose the politics of division. As traders, we advocate for unity, stability, and progress,” they concluded.

The community recalled the economic setbacks experienced following the cancellation of the Darbar Move in the past and welcomed its restoration, emphasizing that its removal had caused significant harm to trade in Jammu. The Darbar Move, a biannual practice involving the relocation of the J&K government between Srinagar and Jammu, was abolished by the L-G administration in 2021 but was reinstated by the NC government led by Omar Abdullah last year.