ibn sultan
Mehbooba Mufti on Friday thanked the people of Budgam for what she termed as rejecting injustice and electing a “young and bold voice” to the legislature.
Addressing a gathering in Budgam, Mufti alleged that several public welfare bills supported by the PDP were repeatedly obstructed by the ruling party. She reiterated her demand for the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Budgam, saying the institution had been promised during the election campaign but was later ignored after the polls.
Raising concern over the status of Urdu, Mufti alleged that there were attempts to weaken the language’s role in recruitment examinations, including those for Naib Tehsildar posts. She said Urdu remains deeply connected to the cultural, spiritual and social identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting socio-economic challenges, Mufti referred to rising unemployment and growing mental health concerns among youth. She also criticised delays in issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) for educational institutions, including Siraj-ul-Uloom and other schools functioning on government land, saying such delays were affecting students’ futures.
On the issue of drug abuse, she called for strict action against drug traffickers while cautioning authorities against targeting innocent families. Mufti also raised the issue of detainees lodged in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir without trial, stating that efforts were underway through legal channels to shift them closer to their homes.
She further highlighted difficulties being faced by brick kiln owners despite complying with regulatory norms and criticised transport policies, alleging that the expansion of Smart City bus services had adversely affected local taxi operators.
Mufti also alleged irregularities and political interference in recruitment processes, claiming that deserving candidates were being ignored. Criticising recent reservation policy decisions, she said many aspirants felt disappointed and excluded due to the changes.
