Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 07: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti launched a sharp critique against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging his administration has remained “conspicuously silent” on critical issues facing the union territory, including the welfare of Kashmiri prisoners and land rights.
Speaking at a party workers’ convention in Bijbehara to mark the tenth death anniversary of PDP founder and her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba as per Kashmir Convener asserted that the Chief Minister has failed to leverage his political mandate to advocate for the populace.
“The government holds an absolute majority with representation in both Houses of Parliament, yet it maintains a studied silence on matters that grievously impact the poor,” Mufti stated.
She specifically accused the state government of inaction regarding land acquisition policies and the pressing concerns of the horticulture sector. “There appears to be a fundamental disconnect. The emotional and economic significance of an orchard or a small landholding to a Kashmiri family is not understood in the corridors of power, leading to this silence while livelihoods are endangered,” she contended.
The PDP president as per this newspaper called for a mandated linkage between land acquisition and local employment, insisting that comprehensive job guarantees and rehabilitation plans for affected families must precede any such government action.
Mufti further warned that unemployment and a growing sense of alienation among the youth have reached critical levels in Jammu and Kashmir. She held the incumbent government responsible for its “taciturn response” to these simmering crises.
Paying homage to her father, an emotional Mehbooba as per this publication reflected on his political legacy, suggesting the Kashmir would not be enduring its current “difficult phase” had he been alive. She highlighted that his tenure, though backed by a modest 16 seats, commanded national credibility and respect, evidenced by his rapport with central leadership including then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
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