Jammu, Feb 27: On Thursday, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti reached out to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, requesting his backing for three private member bills set to be introduced by her party’s legislators during the upcoming Budget Session of the assembly.
The proposals from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLAs aim for the regularization and acknowledgment of property rights for residents on public land; special provisions for the regularization of ad hoc, daily wagers, need-based, and other temporary workers; as well as the prohibition of alcohol within the Union Territory.
Mehbooba also sent identical letters to the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma from the BJP, Congress state head Tariq Hameed Karra, CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami, and People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Gani Lone, according to a PDP official.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s Budget Session is set to commence on March 3.
On February 23, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather remarked that it was inappropriate to give undue publicity to notices of questions, bills, resolutions, and other related matters tied to House business, urging members to avoid breaching privilege.
In her concise letter to the chief minister, Mehbooba stated, “I reach out to you during a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir are facing unprecedented challenges, especially following the events of 2019. The last few years have been incredibly tough for our citizens, who have endured political uncertainty, economic stagnation, and social distress.” “Sadly, these struggles continue, and the unified voice of our people seeks attention and meaningful action. While we may have differing political ideologies and methods, I sincerely believe there are shared issues that surpass party lines,” she added.
As a former chief minister of the former state, Mehbooba emphasized that the welfare of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, the safeguarding of their rights, and the protection of their unique identity are matters of universal concern.
“In these challenging times, we must rise above our differences and unite for the greater good,” she stated, urging Abdullah’s attention to the three “significant bills.”
“These bills aim to tackle urgent issues impacting the daily lives of our people and fulfill their aspirations. The specifics of these legislative proposals have been communicated to the speaker’s office,” Mehbooba elaborated.
The PDP leader expressed hope that Abdullah would regard these bills not just as initiatives from a single party but as steps toward addressing the collective grievances of the people.
“I assure you that our party would provide complete political and legislative support to the government in any initiatives related to these subjects of common and immediate concern, if such legislation were introduced,” she said, expressing optimism for a “positive response” to collaborate moving forward.
“While our political trajectories may differ, the challenges our people face are shared, as must be our commitment to address them,” she concluded. (Agencies)
