Central govt’s policies harming Kashmir’s horticulture, handicrafts: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Dec 21: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday criticised the central government, alleging that its policies were crippling key sectors of Kashmir’s economy—horticulture and handicrafts.
Speaking to a group of media persons at party headquarters here, Mufti, highlighted the issues including the worsening electricity crisis, the cancellation of over 1.5 lakh ration cards, the acquisition of horticultural land for infrastructure projects and the imposition of heavy taxes on Kashmiri handicrafts.
She alleged that an attempt was being made by the central government to erode Kashmir’s economic backbone—horticulture and handicrafts—to “force dependence” on tourism.
“The destruction of these ‘key’ industries would leave the people of Jammu and Kashmir vulnerable to economic manipulation by the government,” Mehbooba said. “If horticulture and handicrafts die, we will be left at the mercy of tourism, which the central government can manipulate at will.”
The former chief minister expressed concern over the harsh winter conditions and the worsening power supply situation. She criticised the cancellation of 1.5 lakh BPL ration cards, saying it has plunged families into distress.
The ongoing developmental projects like railway and ring road expansions, she alleged, were eating into horticultural land. “Our orchards provide livelihoods to thousands of youth. Their destruction will leave catastrophic effects in Jammu and Kashmir,” she added.
The PDP chief also raised concerns about the construction of 30 proposed satellite townships, questioning the intent behind these projects. “1.2 lakh kanals of agricultural land are being taken for these townships. Who are these for? Why are they being built? The people of Jammu and Kashmir are deeply worried,” she asked.
Mufti also slammed the central government for imposing a 28% GST on Kashmiri handicrafts, including shawls, which she described as not just a source of income but an identity of Kashmir. “This will finish our handicrafts industry, just as Shatoosh was banned, causing immense loss to our artisans, particularly women. The imposition of GST will destroy this heritage,” she said.
Addressing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the PDP president urged him to intervene on these issues. “With 50 MLAs and three MPs, I request Mr Omar to tell us who is being settled in these townships and what is being done to protect horticulture and handicrafts,” she said.