On a solemn day of remembrance, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti launched a sharp critique against the Jammu and Kashmir government, accusing it of being indifferent to public concerns. The occasion was the tenth death anniversary of her father and PDP founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, observed at his mausoleum in Bijbehara, Anantnag district, on Wednesday.
A Father's Dream and a Government's Deaf Ear
Addressing a gathering of supporters, Mehbooba Mufti framed her political struggle as a continuation of her father's vision. "I am living for my father's dream of seeing the people of J&K live with dignity," she stated. She swiftly connected this ideal to the present, alleging that the state government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has turned a deaf ear to the people.
Her primary grievance focused on the widespread public protests against the proposed 26-kilometre railway line connecting Kakapora in Pulwama to Kunsoo in Shopian. According to Mufti, this infrastructure project poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of local communities.
Railway Project vs. Apple Orchards: A Livelihood Crisis
Mehbooba Mufti elaborated on the core issue, stating that the planned railway tracks would cut through some of the Kashmir Valley's most fertile and productive apple orchards. This, she argued, would destroy the primary source of income for countless families in the region.
"The railway project will eat up locals' livelihood," she asserted, highlighting the direct conflict between development and sustenance. The apple industry is a cornerstone of the local economy in these areas, and the proposed alignment has sparked significant fear and opposition.
Allegations of Misplaced Priorities
The PDP chief did not mince words in her condemnation of the ruling government's priorities. She pointed to the substantial public mandate given to Omar Abdullah's administration, suggesting it came with an expectation of responsive governance.
"The people have given Omar a huge mandate, but he remains focused on targeting PDP, instead of addressing problems of people," Mehbooba Mufti alleged. This accusation paints a picture of a government more engaged in political rivalry than in resolving pressing public issues like the railway line controversy.
Her speech in Bijbehara transformed a day of personal and political remembrance into a platform for holding the state government accountable, emphasizing a perceived gap between public will and administrative action in Jammu and Kashmir.
