Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 23 

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday accused the National Conference-led government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of betraying the public mandate despite strong electoral support.

Addressing a party convention in Baramulla, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President said rising unemployment had left young people in Jammu and Kashmir facing an uncertain future.

“Despite being meritorious, our young people are jobless. Their parents are deeply worried,” she said, adding that the situation was contributing to increasing drug abuse among youth.

Mufti said the government had failed to deliver on key promises, including providing free electricity to households. 

She alleged that power projects were being handed to outside entities while commitments to residents remained unfulfilled.

Referring to her outreach programme, Mufti said interactions across Kashmir had revealed widespread stress and anxiety among the population. 

She also alleged restrictions on religious activities, saying prayer leaders were being required to vet sermons in advance.

Mufti further said local community groups were unable to carry out social and rehabilitation work due to pressure from agencies, and called for greater support to minority communities, including Sikhs.

Responding to criticism over her party’s past alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, she said the PDP had not compromised on people’s rights.

She also criticised the closure of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad trade route, saying it had affected traders and fruit growers, and flagged delays faced by transporters on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

Mufti urged people to remain hopeful, saying public sentiment would ultimately prevail.