Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 9 

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday accused a minister in the Omar Abdullah-led government of demanding a bribe of Rs 30 lakh from an official in exchange for a transfer, escalating political attacks on the ruling National Conference (NC).

Addressing a party convention in Budgam district of central Kashmir, Mufti alleged that corruption had intensified under the current administration and said transfers and postings were being influenced by money and political connections.

“Corruption is at its peak during the NC government,” said Mufti, who heads the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Without naming the minister, Mufti alleged that an official associated with the National Conference approached the minister seeking a transfer but was asked to pay Rs 30 lakh in return.

“The officer then went to Farooq (Abdullah) Sahab and narrated how the minister had demanded money from him,” she said.

Mufti alleged the incident reflected growing corruption within the government and accused the ruling party of betraying public expectations.

The NC, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, returned to power in Jammu and Kashmir after regional elections last year.

Mufti also criticised the government’s anti-drug campaign and the demolition of properties belonging to alleged drug traffickers, saying innocent family members should not be punished.

“If anyone is involved in drug trafficking, they should be jailed,” she said. “What is the fault of the family members?”

She also questioned arrangements for an anti-drug awareness programme led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, alleging government employees and students had been asked to report early in the morning for the event.

While describing the anti-drug initiative as positive, Mufti said forcing people to wait for long hours was excessive.