Launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday said he was “busy running marathons while people are suffering” and “running away from responsibility,” as she led a protest in Srinagar over the alleged sidelining of Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative framework.
Accusing the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference-led government of “attacking our identity,” Iltija said the reported removal of Urdu from the mandatory requirements for the Tehsildar examination amounted to a direct assault on the cultural and linguistic fabric of the region.
“People have not given you so many votes so that you can attack our language. You are attacking our identity, our language,” she said.
“Do you know that the NC government has recently issued an order under which they are taking out Urdu from the requirements of the Tehsildar exam?” she asked.
Joined by PDP workers and supporters outside the party headquarters, Iltija also raised strong objections to the diminishing role of Urdu in official revenue records, warning that such measures would weaken administrative continuity and disconnect people from their historical and linguistic roots.
“The NC government has failed the people. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is busy running marathons while people are suffering,” she said, reiterating, “He is running away from responsibility.”
Referring to recent detentions, she said, “Seven people have been booked under the PSA in Sopore. Did the Chief Minister utter a word?”
She further criticised the administration over education-related decisions, stating, “They say law and order is under the Lieutenant Governor, but education is under their domain.”
Accusing the ruling party of targeting institutions, she said, “Siraj-ul-Uloom school was banned by the Omar government. NC has always tried to attack Jamaat.”
Addressing the gathering, Iltija emphasised the deep cultural significance of Urdu. “Urdu is not merely a language; it is part of our civilisation, our culture, and our collective heritage. Removing Urdu means disconnecting people from their roots and administrative legacy,” she said.
Protesters raised slogans demanding the preservation of Urdu’s role in governance and administration, accusing the government of failing to safeguard the linguistic identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tensions briefly escalated when police intervened to stop the protest march from moving forward, leading to a heated exchange between PDP workers and security personnel. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting slogans as police attempted to contain the demonstration.
Urdu has historically remained a key administrative language in Jammu and Kashmir and continues to hold deep cultural significance across the region. Critics argue that any reduction in its official usage could alienate large sections of the population accustomed to Urdu-based records and communication.
