BJP regime erasing IIOJK’s identity by targeting Islamic institutions: Mehbooba
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has said that the BJP-led Indian regime and the National Conference government are targeting Islamic institutions and religious symbols to erase the unique identity of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti told reporters after a workers’ convention in Ganderbal that authorities first shut down Madinatul Uloom, where students were taught Arabic and religious studies, and have now “gone after Sirajul Uloom” which imparted both religious and worldly education.
“The BJP in New Delhi and the NC government in Srinagar, driven by some agenda, are closing these institutions. This is an attack on our identity,” she said. The PDP chief also said that removing Urdu proficiency as a requirement for appointments in the revenue department was part of a plan to dilute Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct identity.
Responding to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s claim that Urdu has not been removed from recruitment rules, Mufti said, “The head of the government is lying.” “There is a 2009 order which made knowledge of Urdu mandatory for recruitment in the revenue department.
Then, there is the 2026 order issued by the revenue department headed by Omar Abdullah which says only being a graduate is necessary. There is no mention of Urdu. If Omar sahib chooses to lie, what can I do!” she asserted. The PDP chief added that with limited employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, mining had been a livelihood source for locals, but contracts are now given to outsiders.
“What will the local youth do? People have to sell valuables to buy a job, this has been a practice of the National Conference government,” she said.
