Srinagar, Jan 7: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of remaining silent on issues affecting the people while being preoccupied with criticising the PDP.
Addressing a gathering on the tenth death anniversary of her father and PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba said the Chief Minister has failed to raise his voice on pressing concerns, particularly those affecting youth and marginalised sections. She alleged that dissenting voices were being silenced, with young people facing arrests and many others languishing in jails.
Mehbooba said she had approached the courts regarding the issue of detainees but was questioned about her standing to speak on their behalf. “If leaders do not speak for them, then who will? These are poor families who cannot afford to travel or pursue legal remedies. Where will they go?” she asked. She asserted that raising such concerns was the responsibility of the elected government and not hers alone.
Questioning the Chief Minister’s priorities, the PDP chief said Omar Abdullah, despite having a substantial number of MLAs and MPs, does not speak about issues that directly impact the people. “Instead of addressing unemployment, detentions and hardships faced by ordinary citizens, he remains focused on attacking the PDP. He appears obsessed with our party,” she said.
Raising concerns over orchard lands being acquired for railway projects in south Kashmir, Mehbooba said the Chief Minister lacked sensitivity towards the economic importance of orchards for poor farming families. She urged the Centre to ensure adequate compensation and provide jobs to youth from families whose land was being taken for development projects.
Describing the PDP as her father’s political legacy, Mehbooba called upon party workers to protect and strengthen it. Overcome with emotion, she said the responsibility of carrying forward Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision did not rest on her alone. “This party is Mufti Sahib’s legacy. It is for all of you to keep it alive. Whenever you get an opportunity, pray for him,” she said, breaking down in tears.
Recalling her father’s political approach, Mehbooba said no other leader in Jammu and Kashmir possessed the farsightedness that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had. She said she devoted her youth and life to following his path because of his vision, adding that had such farsighted leadership been more widespread, the region may not have faced its present challenges.
She further asserted that while many politicians chased power, her father always prioritised people over positions. “He did not seek the chair. He set out for the people and for the nation. When I joined politics, I went to every corner only for the sake of the people,” she said, adding that his intentions were often misunderstood despite his lifelong commitment to public service.