In the wake of a significant defeat in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated a grassroots outreach campaign led by party president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.
On Sunday, Mufti conducted the second public gathering of this campaign in Pulwama, located in southern Kashmir, which is a traditional stronghold for the PDP and represented by Waheed Para, one of the party’s three members in the 90-seat Assembly.
During her speech, Mufti criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, asserting that he has let down the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. She questioned his leadership, asking, “What were you thinking? Did you believe that the youth would be protected, that they would find employment, or that those imprisoned would be released or at least returned to Kashmir from jails in Tihar, Punjab, and Haryana so their families could see them?” She added, “While we were disappointed with your decision to support the National Conference, we hoped that your choice for one party could address the people’s concerns.”
Mufti expressed her view that the Chief Minister has chosen silence on crucial issues. “In Jammu, our non-Muslim community opted for the BJP, identifying it as a Hindu party. Meanwhile, the Muslim population collectively decided to support the NC, believing that the grandson of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah would advocate for both the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Muslims of India. However, when the Waqf Bill was introduced, he remained silent. He did not permit a resolution in the Assembly when Waqf property was taken. Recently, a directive was issued requiring those linked to mosques to provide personal details, yet he chose to remain silent. Today, no one wants to join the mosque committee due to fear. You voted for change, but that change has not materialized,” she stated.
She remarked, “We do not wish for him to treat non-Muslims as the BJP treats Muslims. We expected that as the Chief Minister of a Muslim-majority region, he would defend our rights.”
Mufti also highlighted that when her party presses the Chief Minister regarding his electoral commitments, he deflects the questions by associating PDP with the BJP. “When we inquire about the promise of 12 free gas cylinders, he responds with PDP-BJP; when we ask about 200 units of free electricity, his reply is again PDP-BJP,” she noted. “We allied with the BJP not merely to form a government, but for your benefit. Had Omar approached us, we would have formed the government together. Our alliance was aimed at safeguarding Article 370. I facilitated the release of 12,000 youths and secured two AIIMS for Jammu and Kashmir, while other states received only one. I arranged for a delegation to engage with the Hurriyat…”
Bashaarat Masood serves as a Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, focusing on Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the tumultuous Kashmir Valley, for the past two decades. He joined The Indian Express after earning a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, and has reported on various topics including politics, conflict, and development. In 2012, he received the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for his investigative reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter.
With two decades of frontline journalism experience, Bashaarat has chronicled the complexities of Kashmir, covering everything from intense conflict and political changes to socio-economic advancements.
His investigative work has earned him recognition, including the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2012 for his impactful reporting on sensitive human rights and security matters.
His reporting expertise encompasses various specialized areas, including:
1. Political Changes: Analyzing the transition from statehood to Union Territory, electoral trends, and the dynamics of local governance.
2. Security and Conflict: Offering in-depth coverage on counter-insurgency efforts, civil rights, and the effects of conflict on civilians.
3. Development: Reporting on the state of infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the region.
With a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, he possesses a unique academic and practical background that enhances his regional reporting capabilities.
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