Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Jan 7: Accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of “silence and inaction” on public issues, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the political philosophy of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed remains the only viable way to address challenges in J&K.
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Addressing a massive gathering, including party workers, on the 10th death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at Bijbehara, the PDP Chief said people across J&K are facing arrests, unemployment and economic distress but have no platform to be heard.
She said even courts ask families of detainees whom they should approach for relief, reflecting a complete absence of political intervention.
“The Chief Minister has an absolute majority, nearly 50 MLAs and representation in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, yet he chooses to remain silent. People ask where to go, especially the poor, but the Government has failed to speak for them,” she said.
Mufti accused Omar of being more focused on targeting the PDP rather than addressing the pressing issues of the people.
She alleged that unlike Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who, she said, never compromised on the dignity of Kashmiris, the present leadership has “repeatedly compromised” on core public concerns.
Recalling her father’s legacy, Mufti said that he believed in dialogue, reconciliation and a healing touch to resolve long-standing political and social “wounds.”
“He dreamt of restoring dignity to the people of Kashmir. I have remained patient for that dream. Power is not my goal; it will come on its own,” she said, adding that there is no alternative solution to the issues facing J&K except the path consistently advocated by the late Mufti.
The PDP Chief also expressed deep concern over rising unemployment, “alienation and depression among the youth,” stating that frustration is forcing young people to make wrong choices.
She said the Government’s silence on burning issues has only aggravated the sense of hopelessness in society.
Highlighting land acquisition and orchardists’ concerns in south Kashmir, Mufti urged the Government to ensure employment and rehabilitation before acquiring land for railway and other infrastructure projects.
She said land and orchards are the only means of survival for thousands of families in Kashmir and cannot be treated merely as property.
“Before taking even an inch of land, the Government must guarantee jobs to unemployed youth and affected families. Development cannot come at the cost of people’s livelihoods and dignity,” she said.
Earlier, overcome with emotion, Mufti broke down while remembering her father, describing him as a courageous statesman who stood for peace, reconciliation and people-centric politics.
“On the 10th death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Sahab, we honour a leader whose legacy of courage and commitment to the people continues to inspire us,” she said.
PDP leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para, speaking on the occasion, said the prevailing atmosphere of “silence and despair” among the people clearly demonstrates the relevance of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s philosophy.
He said the “wounds of society” require a healing process and compassionate governance.
“There is widespread hopelessness regarding the Government. People want their sadness to be addressed, and that can only happen through the philosophy of reconciliation and healing that Mufti Sahib believed in,” Para said.
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