Srinagar, Sept 14: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, said today that thousands of FIRs were registered against youth during Omar Abdullah’s tenure.Speaking to media persons in south Kashmir, Mufti challenged Omar to withdraw even a single FIR from that period.
“You (Omar) had thousands of FIRs registered against youth during your time. In contrast, when I worked with the BJP in Government, I ensured the withdrawal of 12,000 FIRs. If you have the courage, show me if you can withdraw even one,” she said.
The former Chief Minister said that the youth know that only the PDP has spoken for them, “protected them, and saved them from the barrels of guns.”
She further stated that during her time in Government with the BJP, she dismissed two Ministers after the Kathua rape and murder case.
“Eight people were imprisoned for life. One of those Ministers was Lal Singh. The NC campaigns for him, seeking votes. If they have the courage, let them speak out against him,” she added.
Mufti defended her party’s contributions to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly South Kashmir. She said the PDP has been crucial in addressing the region’s challenges.
“The people of South Kashmir have understood what the PDP has done for them. The biggest difficulties of POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) and task forces were in South Kashmir. We freed the people from all of that,” she said.
Mufti said that the PDP’s past work and future promises are crucial. “Our challenge is to improve on our past work. We have opened colleges, universities, and introduced schemes like Rehbar-e-Taleem and Rehbar-e-Khel,” she said.
Mufti also criticised the BJP’s job promises. “BJP says 5 lakh youth will be given jobs, but they also claimed that 2 crore people would be given jobs nationwide every year. Even 1 crore out of 2 crore were not given jobs in the last 10 years. Lying requires no effort,” she added.
