PDP President Calls for Focus on Youth, Rights, and Article 370
Srinagar 04 March 2025: A Sharp Critique of Governance and Priorities Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has launched a scathing attack on the ruling National Conference (NC), accusing the party of neglecting the core issues plaguing Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the PDP headquarters on Friday, Mehbooba criticized the NC for convening high-level meetings over “trivial administrative matters,” such as patwari transfers, instead of addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.
Key Issues Highlighted by Mufti
Mehbooba Mufti outlined several critical concerns that, according to her, have been left unaddressed by the Omar Abdullah-led government:
- Continued Detention of Youth – Thousands of young individuals remain in jails across the region, a situation Mufti describes as deeply troubling and ignored by the administration.
- Mass Terminations of Employees – Government workers face ongoing dismissals without clear justification or dialogue.
- Rise in Unemployment – An atmosphere of uncertainty has gripped the youth, exacerbated by rising joblessness and a lack of opportunities.
- Daily Wagers in Crisis – Mufti emphasized the plight of daily wagers, struggling to make ends meet amid financial instability.
- Lack of Action on Article 370 – The PDP president accused the NC of failing to advocate for the restoration of the region’s special status, revoked in 2019.
“People placed their faith in the new government to fight for their rights and improve their lives. Instead, six months have passed, and nothing has changed. There’s no mention of our detained youth, no discussion about unemployment or the daily crises faced by ordinary citizens. Instead, we’re wasting time on patwari transfers,” she remarked.
‘Silence on Article 370: A Betrayal of Trust’
One of Mehbooba’s most biting critiques was directed at the NC’s reluctance to even mention Article 370. “This is not just disappointing; it is a betrayal. A government that was given a massive mandate has not dared to utter a single word about restoring our special status. Forget confrontation—they surrendered without even trying,” she stated.
She added that the NC’s unwillingness to engage with the central government on substantive issues further exacerbates the region’s challenges. “Even as crackdowns and raids continue, our historic institutions remain shut, and basic amenities fail. But the ruling party stays silent. Is this why the people of Jammu and Kashmir voted for them?” she questioned.
Mockery of Governance Priorities
Mufti criticized the NC’s governance priorities, calling their focus on administrative control a “mockery of the people’s mandate.” She specifically referred to recent meetings held by the government to discuss administrative transfers, describing it as an absurd waste of time.
“Is the transfer of a patwari what the people of Jammu and Kashmir care about most? Are we, as leaders, supposed to gather for this while the real issues—unemployment, rights violations, and growing hardships—are ignored?” Mehbooba asked.
A Call to Action
In her concluding remarks, the PDP president urged the ruling NC to redirect its focus toward the region’s pressing concerns. “This government has a responsibility to protect the rights of the people who voted for them. Ignoring the daily struggles of the youth, daily wagers, and government employees while staying silent on critical issues like Article 370 is unacceptable. The NC must step up or step aside,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti’s comments have reignited discussions about the state’s governance and the priorities of its elected leaders. As discontent grows among the people, the pressure mounts on the ruling NC to deliver on its promises and refocus its agenda on meaningful issues.
