Urges CM Omar Abdullah to Act Like “Kejriwal of Kashmir”
Srinagar, Oct 8, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday accused the government of neglecting the concerns of locals in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that land insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and cultural displacement have worsened since 2019. She said that despite assurances during elections, no concrete law has been passed to protect the rights of hoteliers and small business owners whose leases have expired.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Mehbooba said, “After 2019, people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have faced insecurity over their land, jobs, and culture. We have seen bulldozers being used and even schools on state land being dismantled. After the 2024 elections, people hoped an elected government would bring a law to safeguard land rights and renew hotel leases, but nothing was done.”
Mehbooba Mufti as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust, said the issue concerns common people, not just hoteliers. “Lakhs of people are directly or indirectly associated with the hotel industry. The government should have prioritized a bill to protect their interests. Instead, we are seeing local hoteliers losing their establishments while the administration remains silent,” she said.
Referring to the recent controversies surrounding Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Mehbooba claimed that “outsiders are now eyeing prime tourism locations” as the government looks away. “They started with Gulmarg and now will touch Pahalgam. Even though Waheed Parra tabled a bill to protect local landholdings, it was rejected. Now we have brought it again. The Chief Minister, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, must defend the poor and act to safeguard the people’s rights,” she said.
The PDP chief expressed concern over reports that major corporate groups, including the Jindal Group, are showing interest in tourism projects in Kashmir. “If auctions are held, poor locals cannot compete with powerful business groups. The government should ensure locals are given first preference,” she remarked.
Mehbooba urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take a firm stand on the issue. “Omar Abdullah should act like Kejriwal, who continued good governance in Delhi despite constant pressure from an LG. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve the same courage and commitment,” she said. [KNT]
