Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
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), stating that they had sent a “young and bold voice” to the Assembly.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Budgam, the former Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the NC-led government, accusing it of repeatedly obstructing PDP-backed pro-people bills in the Assembly. She reiterated her demand for the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Budgam and alleged that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had promised the institution during the election campaign but failed to act after losing the constituency.
Mufti also expressed concern over what she described as a “systematic erosion” of the Urdu language in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to recruitment examinations, including those for Naib Tehsildar posts, she alleged attempts were being made to dilute the importance of Urdu despite its deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance across communities in the region.
Highlighting the growing unemployment crisis, the PDP president said rising joblessness and economic uncertainty were pushing many young people towards frustration and depression. She also raised the issue of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) not being granted to institutions such as Siraj-ul-Uloom and other schools functioning on government land.
“The future of thousands of students is at stake,” she said, urging the administration to resolve the issue without delay.
On the growing drug menace, Mufti demanded stringent action against drug peddlers and trafficking networks but cautioned the authorities against harassing innocent families during anti-drug operations. She also raised concerns over prisoners lodged in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir without trial, stating that she was pursuing their cases in the Supreme Court to facilitate their transfer closer to their families.
Accusing the government of widespread corruption and favouritism, Mufti claimed that deserving youth were being denied fair opportunities while recruitment processes were increasingly influenced by political considerations. She further criticised the NC for allegedly backtracking on its promises regarding reservation policies and open merit, saying that thousands of aspirants now felt “betrayed and ignored.”
