Mehbooba Mufti slams Omar Abdullah government for surrendering to Delhi, ignoring public issues
Why discuss Patwari transfers but ignore Article 370 and public grievances, asks Mehbooba Mufti
SRINAGAR, April 4: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti launched a scathing attack on the ruling National Conference (NC), accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s government of surrendering before New Delhi and failing to address the pressing concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, Mufti criticized the government for being preoccupied with bureaucratic power struggles rather than focusing on the real challenges facing the public. She accused the administration of showing “cowardice” in tackling key issues such as the incarceration of Kashmiri youth, termination of employees, rising unemployment, and the plight of daily wage workers.
“People had expectations that the new government would stand up for their rights, but even after six months in power, it has failed to address fundamental issues. Instead, it seems more concerned about whether the LG or the elected representatives have the authority to transfer officials,” Mufti stated.
Referring to Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks that his government does not want a confrontation with the Centre, Mufti asserted that the NC-led administration had already “surrendered” and was too afraid to raise the concerns of the people who elected them.
“When they came to power, they said they don’t want to confront Delhi. But nobody is asking them to fight. The issue is that they have already bowed down before New Delhi and refuse to even voice the grievances of the people,” she remarked.
Mufti further criticized the government’s priorities, highlighting its silence on serious matters such as security crackdowns, religious restrictions, and administrative decisions affecting livelihoods. She questioned why the government failed to react when employees under the Chief Minister’s own department were dismissed but was now holding extensive discussions over the transfer of revenue officials (Patwaris).
“Is the biggest issue in J&K right now the transfer of Patwaris? Or is it the fact that our youth are languishing in jails, that there are daily raids, or that Jamia Masjid remains closed despite an improvement in the security situation?” she asked.
She accused the government of deliberately avoiding discussions on crucial matters, including Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019. “They don’t even want to mention Article 370, let alone fight for its restoration. And yet, they waste time debating who has the authority to transfer Patwaris,” she remarked.
Mufti further asserted that the NC government had “betrayed” the massive mandate it received from the people by failing to take a stand on real issues. “To call a major meeting over such trivial matters while ignoring the suffering of the people is nothing short of a joke,” she concluded.
