Media Focus on ‘NC vs NC’ Debate Diverts Attention from Public Issues: Aga Mehdi
Budgam, May 10, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party legislator from Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi on Saturday accused the BJP of pursuing policies aimed at “humiliating Muslims” and alleged that institutions associated with social and educational upliftment were being deliberately targeted across the country.
Talking to reporters in Budgam, Aga Muntazir Mehdi strongly criticized the reported closure of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom and termed the move condemnable.
“The BJP has a policy to humiliate Muslims not only in Kashmir but anywhere Muslims live in the country,” the PDP legislator said.
He alleged that institutions playing a role in education, social reform and community development were increasingly coming under pressure as part of a broader political approach.
“Their policy is to attack institutions that have a role in social uplifting and society building, and under that very policy Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom was closed down,” he said.
The Budgam MLA also referred to the installation of smart meters in Jammu and Kashmir and alleged that people had faced humiliation during the process in several areas.
“People were humiliated on the pretext of installing smart meters,” he said, without referring to any particular incident.
Aga Muntazir Mehdi further questioned the government over the issue of Urdu language and criticized attempts to seek public opinion regarding its status and use.
“What was the need to seek opinion from people about Urdu language when the National Conference claims that the language is their life?” he asked.
The PDP legislator alleged that there could be pressure from higher authorities behind the move, though he did not cite any specific directive or official communication.
“They might have got instructions from the top to attack this language,” he said.
The remarks come amid continuing political debate in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the status and administrative use of Urdu, which has historically held official and cultural significance in the region.
Aga Muntazir Mehdi also criticized sections of the media, particularly electronic media outlets, alleging that excessive focus on political rivalries was overshadowing core public issues affecting Budgam district.
“Instead of portraying the real issues of Budgam, media particularly electronic media sensationalizes reports about NC versus NC in Budgam,” he said.
He alleged that such coverage indirectly helped those in power avoid accountability over governance failures and developmental shortcomings.
“Why don’t media ask the government why there has been no macadamization in Budgam, why there is no potable water, and why there is no better infrastructure?” he asked.
The PDP legislator said people in several areas continued to face basic civic problems and asserted that political discourse should focus more on public welfare issues rather than internal political controversies. [KNT]
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