In the volatile landscape of Kashmiri politics, accusations and counter-accusations have become a norm. The recent exchange between Aga Ruhullah, National Conference (NC) Member Parliament (MP), and Omar Abdullah, chief minister (CM) of J&K UT has added another chapter to this saga. Ruhullah’s scathing remark, branding Omar a “servant of Delhi” rather than the people, has stirred controversy. Predictably, the Abdullah family and senior NC leaders dismissed it as a “publicity stunt.” But for the people of Kashmir, such political theatrics are little more than a distraction from their enduring struggles. Kashmir doesn’t need more personal rivalries or staged spectacles; it needs vision, action, and a collective will to address the deepening crises. From unemployment and environmental degradation to political disenfranchisement and identity erosion, the challenges demand responsibility from every stakeholder. Omar Abdullah is no stranger to criticism, but Ruhullah’s words carry a warning that shouldn’t be ignored. The perception of being distant or subservient to Delhi’s interests has hurt the credibility of many regional leaders. If Omar wants to lead effectively, he must shed any aura of complacency and demonstrate that his loyalty lies with the people of Kashmir. This calls for visible action, addressing unemployment, fighting for safeguards on land and jobs, and amplifying Kashmiri concerns on national and international platforms. He must also strengthen intra-party democracy, allowing dissenting voices like Ruhullah’s to be heard, not sidelined. Only through humility, introspection, and results can Omar prove his critics wrong. Ruhullah’s critique highlights the growing frustration within NC’s own ranks. But words alone won’t fix Kashmir’s problems. If his intentions are sincere, Ruhullah must channel his energy into providing solutions, not merely criticisms. He should use his position to champion key issues—be it restoring democratic rights, addressing governance failures, or safeguarding Kashmir’s cultural and ecological heritage.
“Common Kashmiris suffer who have given a huge mandate to NC in recently concluded elections. Mandate should be respected by Omar-Aga and NC as a ruling party, no matter the costs of the respect.”
The people will judge Ruhullah not by the sharpness of his words but by the strength of his actions. If he envisions a new model of leadership, it must be one rooted in service, transparency, and accountability. The opposition in Kashmir is fractured, reactive, and increasingly irrelevant in the eyes of the people. This must change. To regain public trust, opposition parties must unite around common causes—protection of land and resources, youth empowerment, ecological preservation, and the restoration of political rights.Leaders must move beyond party rivalries and build a cohesive platform that represents the collective aspirations of Kashmiris. A divided opposition only strengthens the narrative of external control and deepens public disillusionment. The central government’s Kashmir policy often appears disconnected from the ground realities. Policies imposed without consultation have exacerbated mistrust and alienation. If Delhi genuinely seeks stability, it must prioritize dialogue with regional leaders, including dissenters, and involve them in policymaking.Restoring a sense of Indian-ness in Kashmiris—whether through economic initiatives, cultural preservation, or political concessions—should be the cornerstone of any meaningful engagement. A one-size-fits-all approach will only deepen the wounds. The people of Kashmir, long accustomed to political betrayal, must reclaim their democratic rights. Leaders are accountable to their constituents, and it is the people’s responsibility to demand better. Through active participation in local governance, environmental advocacy, and grassroots initiatives, Kashmiris can build resilience even in the absence of effective leadership.
Tail Piece: Whether Ruhullah’s remark is a sign of ideological cracks or a calculated gimmick. In this saga, the common Kashmiris suffer who have given a huge mandate to NC in recently concluded elections. Mandate should be respected by Omar-Aga and NC as a ruling party, no matter the costs of the respect.
(The author is a teacher at Govt Degree College Khansahib, Budgam. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashraf Zainabi
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