Mehbooba Mufti warns of demographic Shift in J&K, Cites Gaza and Syria as cautionary examples”

Mehbooba Mufti warns of demographic Shift in J&K, Cites Gaza and Syria as cautionary examples”

Srinagar, Dec 21, KNT: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed concern over the proposed GST hike on Kashmiri shawls, warning that such a move could spell the end of the traditional craft. She appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the issue, accusing the central government of trying to reduce the region’s economic independence by making its people reliant solely on tourism.

Speaking to reporters, Mehbooba highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the Kashmiri shawl, which she described as not only a livelihood source but also a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity. “The Kashmiri shawl is renowned worldwide. However, previous decisions, such as the National Conference government’s ban on Shahtoosh, caused significant economic losses. Now, increasing the GST on shawls to 28 percent will effectively kill this art form,” she said.

Mehbooba Mufti further alleged that development projects on horticultural land and policies targeting the handicraft sector were part of a deliberate strategy to undermine Jammu and Kashmir’s self-sufficiency. She criticized the state government’s silence on these issues and urged Omar Abdullah to take a stand, emphasizing that these sectors had historically sustained the region during challenging times. “You have 50 MLAs and three MPs. For God’s sake, tell us what you are doing to save our assets,” she demanded.

She accused the central government of attempting to dismantle the Kashmir’s horticulture and handicraft industries to make its economy solely reliant on tourism. “If our horticulture and handicrafts are destroyed, we will have no option but to depend on tourism. This seems to be a deliberate move to control us by regulating the flow of tourists,” she said.

Mehbooba also expressed concern over large-scale infrastructure projects that she claimed were devastating agricultural and horticultural land. “Railway lines, ring roads, and the Baramulla-Rajouri highway are wiping out orchards that provide livelihoods for young people. This could severely damage Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and leave us worse off than the states that send laborers here,” she warned.

She also raised questions about the purpose of the 30 satellite townships being developed in the region, which she said required over 1.20 lakh kanals of land. “Omar Abdullah must clarify who these townships are for. People fear they could be part of a broader plan to alter the region’s demographics, as seen in places like Gaza and Syria,” she cautioned.

Mehbooba Mufti also criticized the cancellation of nearly 1.5 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the ongoing winter hardships, exacerbated by severe cold and power outages, had only increased the sufferings of the people.

She expressed hope that Chief Minister Abdullah would address these pressing issues. [KNT]

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