SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday launched a sharp attack on the PDP and its leader Iltija Mufti, accusing them of spreading “falsehood” over removing Urdu from revenue department recruitment and official documentation and attempting to mislead the public for political gains.
Addressing reporters, Omar categorically denied that any decision had been taken to drop Urdu, asserting that no such order exists. “We have repeatedly asked them to show the order under which Urdu has been dropped. They have failed to do so,” he said, adding that what was issued was merely an order seeking public comments, not a final decision.
He maintained that the proposal regarding Urdu is still under consideration and lies pending on his table. “Yes, a proposal has come from the department. I am not denying that. But I have not approved it, nor do I intend to approve it,” Omar said, challenging his critics to present documentary proof if they claim otherwise.
Taking a direct swipe at Iltija Mufti, Omar remarked that there appears to be a deliberate attempt to blur the distinction between seeking public feedback and implementing a policy decision. “There is a clear difference between asking for public comments and actually dropping a language. Unfortunately, they either fail to understand this or choose to ignore it,” he said.
He further accused the PDP of using the Urdu issue as a diversionary tactic. “This is like a magician’s trick—show something in one hand and do something else with the other. They are raising the Urdu issue to divert attention from their own actions,” he said.
Escalating his attack, Omar alleged that the PDP had extended support to the BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections and is now trying to shift public focus. “They helped the BJP and now don’t want people to notice that. That is why they are creating noise over Urdu,” he said.
Omar went on to assert that the PDP has a history of facilitating the BJP’s entry into Jammu and Kashmir politics. “Whatever we are facing today is the result of their actions when they brought the BJP into power here. Even today, they are helping them from within,” he alleged.
Reiterating his challenge, Omar said, “I again challenge them—produce the order of ‘dropping Urdu’ if you have the courage. Otherwise, stop misleading the people.”
Shifting focus, Omar said the government is prioritising better accommodation for employees, noting that several housing projects are nearing completion and will be allotted before the Darbar move. He also stressed the need to decongest Srinagar and develop planned residential colonies on the pattern of Delhi.
On unemployment, he termed it a “serious issue” but ruled out government jobs as the sole solution. “No country or state has solved unemployment through government jobs alone,” he said, adding that the administration is focusing on strengthening the private sector and promoting self-employment through initiatives like Mission Yuva.
He revealed that nearly ₹1,000 crore has been extended as soft loans and grants to youth for setting up enterprises, while schemes in agriculture and horticulture are being expanded, including the extension of weather-based crop insurance to horticulture.
Omar also highlighted the need for improved connectivity and trade infrastructure, pitching for a dry port in Jammu and Kashmir to boost exports. He said tourism remains a key sector for employment generation across skill levels.
Dismissing exit polls, Omar said past trends show they often fail to predict actual outcomes. “We don’t have to wait long. Results will be out soon, and I believe these-exit polls will again prove wrong,” he said. He also linked rising fuel prices to global tensions, urging international intervention to stabilise the situation.
