Srinagar, Jan 7: Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized the National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the reservation policy, claiming it employs strategies that “divide and alienate” the youth.
Speaking to PDP workers at a memorial for her father and party founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, on the occasion of his ninth death anniversary, Mehbooba urged an end to the perceived “injustice against open merit students,” while also advocating for the protection of rights for marginalized and under-represented populations across Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is unfortunate that today, instead of creating opportunities and fostering unity, the government is resorting to policies that divide and alienate our youth,” she lamented.
Mehbooba Mufti, a former chief minister herself, pointed out that previous administrations, including her own, were successful in ensuring adequate representation for Jammu and Kashmir’s residents and securing their seats.
Recently, a group of students demonstrated against the current reservation policy outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with National Conference leader and Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, participating in the protests.
Abdullah later assured the protesting delegation that the cabinet sub-committee tasked with reviewing the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir will present its findings within six months.
The students’ protests stem from opposition to the reservation practices established after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Paying tribute to her father at Dara Shikoh Park in Bijbehara, Anantnag, Mehbooba contrasted his governance with that of the current administration.
“Mufti Sahab transformed the region despite holding a limited number of seats. Today, despite a clear majority, the government remains silent on pressing issues like unjust employee dismissals, rising unemployment, and a harrowing verification process,” she stated.
The PDP leader underscored her father’s approach of dialogue and inclusivity, which she believes is currently lacking, noting its importance in addressing the Kashmir issue during his administration.
“His vision of peace with dignity and the belief in dialogue as a pathway to enduring peace continue to influence our efforts for a fair Jammu and Kashmir,” she added.
Mehbooba highlighted that her father’s leadership left a lasting impression even during difficult times, emphasizing that his tenure from 2002 to 2005 was crucial for the region.
Despite having only 16 seats, his policies focused on the people, enhancing safety and establishing a new governance model, she explained.
“His initiatives to bridge the gap between Delhi and Kashmir, along with daring actions like reopening the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, promoted cross-border trade and family connections, advancing dialogue and reconciliation,” the PDP chief remarked.
“In a region still facing political turmoil, Sayeed’s pragmatic approach—founded on dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusivity—continues to serve as a guiding principle for conflict resolution today. Under his leadership, Jammu and Kashmir experienced significant growth in education, infrastructure, and agriculture. His vision also led to the creation of universities and colleges, benefiting every region, including Ladakh.
“Notably, the prime minister’s package aimed at the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits was another monumental initiative during his tenure,” she stated.
Party members and supporters also paid tribute with flowers at the commemorative event.
