Srinagar : Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has accused the government of systematically targeting Jammu and Kashmir’s economic lifelines, including horticulture, agriculture, and handicrafts, while leaving tourism as the only surviving sector.
Speaking to KNS, she warned that the destruction of these sectors would leave the Kashmir’s people without sustainable livelihoods, pushing them toward dependency.
“If these industries are destroyed, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be left with nothing. We will be reduced to dependency, with no means to sustain ourselves,” she stated.
Mufti called for immediate Omar Abdullah government intervention to protect the region’s economy. “This appears to be a conspiracy to weaken J&K’s self-reliance. The government must act responsibly to safeguard the people’s interests.”
Highlighting ongoing development projects, including railway expansion, the ring road, and the Rajouri-Baramulla road construction, Mufti expressed grave concerns over the loss of fertile agricultural land. She noted that the establishment of satellite townships on prime farmland threatens the backbone of J&K’s economy.
“I urge Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address these pressing issues. These projects are encroaching on our farmlands, and people are questioning their purpose. We need clarity on who truly benefits from these developments,” she said, drawing parallels to international land disputes like those in Golan Heights and Gaza.
Mufti also criticized the imposition of a 28% GST on Kashmiri shawls, describing it as a severe blow to the iconic handicrafts industry.
She recalled the earlier ban on Shantosh shawls, which had disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of workers. “The Kashmiri shawl is our global identity. This heavy GST will cripple the industry and erase a vital part of our heritage for future generations,” she warned.
Additionally, Mufti raised concerns over flawed government policies, including the deteriorating electricity supply and flawed ration distribution systems, which she claims are exacerbating the woes of the people.
