Baramulla, Apr 23: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference-led government headed by Omar Abdullah, accusing it of betraying the mandate of the people despite receiving massive electoral support.
Addressing a party convention in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Mufti said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir were facing an uncertain future due to rising unemployment.
“Despite being meritorious, our young people are jobless. Their parents are deeply worried, and as a result, many youths are falling into drug addiction,” she said.
She alleged that the present government had failed to deliver on key promises, including providing 200 units of free electricity.
“Instead, power projects are being handed over to outsiders while local promises remain unfulfilled,” she added.
Referring to her outreach programme “Kath Baat,” Mufti said she personally interacted with people across Kashmir and found widespread stress and anxiety among the masses.
“People are distressed. Even in mosques, prayer leaders are being forced to vet sermons before delivering them,” she claimed.
She also alleged that Mohalla Committees were unable to carry out rehabilitation and social programmes due to alleged harassment by agencies.
Highlighting concerns of the Sikh community, Mufti said, “The Sikh community has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kashmir, yet they have not been provided adequate support packages. It is time they are given due attention.”
Responding to criticism over her party’s past alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, the PDP chief said the party never compromised on the rights of the people.
“We are targeted for aligning with the BJP, but we did not compromise on people’s rights,” she said.
Accusing the current regime of failing to safeguard land and job rights, Mufti said that during the PDP’s tenure, significant confidence-building measures were taken.
She cited the opening of the Srinagar–Muzaffarabad trade route.
“Today, that route has been shut down citing concerns of drug smuggling, hurting traders and fruit growers,” she said.
She also highlighted the plight of fruit growers, alleging that trucks carrying produce remain stranded for weeks on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, while traffic is cleared swiftly during pilgrimage movements.
Urging people not to lose hope, Mufti said oppression cannot last forever.
Drawing a parallel, she remarked that even powerful regimes eventually bow to the will of the people.
“The time will come when justice prevails. People must remain hopeful,” she added.
