Anantnag, Jan 7 : People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said rising frustration and depression among the youth are pushing them towards wrong steps, linking the situation to the prevailing political and social environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing party workers on the death anniversary of former Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Mehbooba Mufti referred to the recent incident at the Red Fort, saying such developments must be seen in the context of growing alienation among young people.
“Youth are depressed, disappointed, and silent. When society ignores their pain, they take wrong steps,” she said, adding that there is an urgent need to revisit the political philosophy and policies advocated by Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.
Mehbooba Mufti said that Mufti Sayeed was misunderstood during his lifetime, but his approach was rooted in safeguarding the interests of the people. “If Mufti Sahib were alive today, the situation would have been different. Unfortunately, people did not understand his vision when he was alive,” she said.
Highlighting developmental decisions taken during Mufti Sayeed’s tenure, she said the Islamic University of Science and Technology was established on land that was earlier under the possession of the Army. “Today, when orchards are being threatened by railway projects and farmers are distressed, Mufti Sahib would never have allowed such things to happen,” she said.
Taking a swipe at the present political leadership, Mehbooba Mufti said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lacks sensitivity towards agrarian issues. “Someone who does not understand the value of an apple tree cannot feel the pain of the people,” she said.
She described Mufti Muhammad Sayeed as the true champion of the people’s voice and rejected allegations that his engagement with the BJP was driven by personal interests. “My father did not engage with the BJP for power or personal gain. He did it keeping the interests of Jammu and Kashmir in mind,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti said the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir is chaotic, alleging that families are unable to meet prisoners lodged in jails. She also accused the current government of ignoring public issues. “Despite having more than 50 seats, Omar Abdullah spends his time targeting the PDP instead of thinking about the problems of the people,” she added. [KNT]
