Bijbehara | January 7 | Fida Hussan
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday strongly criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of maintaining silence on issues that directly impact the livelihoods of common people, particularly land acquisition and the growing concerns of orchardists in Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering in Bijbehara on the death anniversary of her father, former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba Mufti said the present government has failed to speak up for farmers and orchard owners whose land and livelihoods are under threat due to ongoing and proposed development projects.
She alleged that despite enjoying a clear majority and parliamentary representation at both national levels, the Chief Minister has chosen to focus his political attention on criticising the PDP instead of addressing pressing public concerns.
“Land and orchards are not mere assets for Kashmiris; they are the backbone of survival for thousands of families. Unfortunately, the Chief Minister does not seem to grasp this reality,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti further remarked that the economic distress and unemployment situation in Jammu and Kashmir has reached alarming levels. Referring to recent incidents reflecting deep social stress, she said the government’s continued silence on unemployment and alienation is troubling.
She urged the administration to adopt a people-centric approach while executing major infrastructure projects such as railways, stressing that employment opportunities must be guaranteed to local youth before acquiring land.
“Development should not come at the cost of dignity and livelihood. Before acquiring even a single inch of land, the government must ensure jobs and proper rehabilitation for affected families,” she asserted.
The PDP chief reiterated that for small farmers and orchardists, land represents identity, sustenance, and survival, and warned that ignoring these realities would further deepen public resentment.
