Srinagar: Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that the first priority of any assembly or session should be to discuss matters with a clear purpose and produce outcomes. She emphasized that assemblies should not continue without addressing critical issues.
On horticulture, she pointed out that fruit orchards suffered losses when roads remained closed for several days. She noted that the Chief Minister contacted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari only after 15–20 days, which may have delayed relief measures. She asked how losses will be addressed, whether farmer loans will be waived, and if support will be provided for transportation.
Mufti also raised concerns about the tourism sector, which she said has been affected following the Pahalgam incident. Hoteliers, transporters, and houseboat operators have faced losses, with many taking loans that they are now struggling to repay.
On prisoners, she called for the return of individuals from J&K and questioned the continued use of the Public Safety Act (PSA) against MLAs.
Regarding Yaseen Malik, Mufti said Malik had submitted an affidavit admitting he traveled to Pakistan to meet leaders on behalf of the Intelligence Bureau and had met several leaders in Delhi. She asked why senior officers involved in the matter have remained silent.(KNS).
