Promoting Liquor in Kashmir Goes Against Our Values: Mehbooba Mufti | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for a separate development budget for Srinagar’s old city, Shehr-e-Khaas, citing unemployment, poor infrastructure, and civic neglect.

Speaking to reporters at the PDP headquarters, Mehbooba said, “The historic part of the city has been facing growing unemployment, poor infrastructure and civic neglect for years.”

She urged the government to address these issues in the upcoming budget, noting that Shehr-e-Khaas has a highly educated youth population but suffers from limited employment opportunities. “There are so many educated boys and girls here, but employment opportunities are minimal. Government jobs are rare and private sector engagement is negligible,” she said.

Mehbooba proposed the launch of exclusive skill development courses and employment schemes for local youth, including six-to-eight-month training programmes and a dedicated Skill Development Centre. “There should also be a Skill Development Centre dedicated to the youth of Shehr-e-Khaas so that they can earn dignified livelihoods,” she said, calling for full literacy and youth participation in local governance.

Highlighting civic concerns, she criticised the state of waste management and sanitation despite Srinagar’s Smart City status. “The smell and pollution, especially during the rainy season, have made life difficult for residents. Waste management has completely failed in several parts of Shehr-e-Khaas,” she said.

On liquor shops, Mehbooba said, “Majority of people in Kashmir oppose alcohol sales. Promoting liquor in Kashmir is against our social and moral values. The alcohol abuse is a growing mental health concern.”

She also urged authorities to ensure the safety of Kashmiri workers outside the Union Territory. “Many poor people go out to earn a living and face harassment or violence. The government must take this seriously and engage with concerned states to ensure their safety,” she said.

Mehbooba further criticised the absence of campus politics in Kashmir’s colleges and universities, stating, “Campus politics has been banned in Kashmir. Student leaders once emerged from universities; that tradition should be restored.”

Concluding her remarks, she emphasised the need for focused attention, financial allocation, and inclusive development for Shehr-e-Khaas. “The government must prioritize the old city in its upcoming budget. A separate budget for Shehr-e-Khaas is essential to revive its heritage, economy, and youth potential,” she said.