Budgam, May 9: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday thanked the people of Budgam for “standing up against injustice and broken promises” of the National Conference (NC), asserting that they have sent a “young and bold voice” to the Assembly.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Budgam, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the NC-led government, accusing it of repeatedly blocking her party’s pro-people bills in the Assembly. She reiterated the demand for setting up a National Law University (NLU) in Budgam, reminding the gathering that Omar Abdullah had promised the same during his election campaign but “went silent after losing the seat”.
Mehbooba Mufti raised alarm over what she termed a “systematic erasure” of the Urdu language in Jammu and Kashmir. She pointed to attempts to dilute its role in examinations such as the Naib Tehsildar recruitment, asserting that Urdu remains deeply embedded in the spiritual, cultural and religious heritage of all communities in the region.
The PDP president also highlighted the growing unemployment crisis and rising depression among youth, while flagging the non-issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Siraj-ul-Uloom and other schools functioning on government land. “The future of thousands of students is being compromised,” she said.
On the drug menace, Mufti demanded strict action against peddlers but cautioned against making innocent families suffer. She also raised the plight of prisoners lodged in faraway jails without trial, saying she is pursuing their cases in the Supreme Court to ensure their relocation closer to home.
Mehbooba Mufti further drew attention to hardships faced by brick kiln owners despite completing government formalities, and expressed concern over taxi operators being “pushed towards ruin” as Smart City buses flood selected routes while other areas remain neglected.
Accusing the government of rampant corruption, she claimed deserving youth are being denied opportunities while political favouritism dictates recruitment. She also criticised the NC for backtracking on promises related to reservation and open merit, leaving thousands of aspirants “feeling betrayed and ignored”. (KNS)
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