Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly accused the Modi government of scheming to exploit the lithium reserves in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the resources are to be handed over to companies in return for financial contributions to the ruling party. This statement comes amid reports suggesting plans for the auction of lithium blocks in the region, raising concerns over the management and utilization of local natural resources.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti’s comments were made in response to emerging reports about the Indian government’s intentions towards the lithium reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir. She took to the social media platform X to voice her apprehensions, stating, “Now J and K’s lithium reserves too are being plundered and gifted to dubious companies who will then donate a part of these illicit proceeds to the ruling party as ‘party fund’.”
The PDP President further criticized the close ties between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and certain business interests, suggesting that this relationship underpins the central government’s lack of responsiveness to the demands of the people of Ladakh. She referred to the case of Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Ladakhi engineer and educator, whose recent protests failed to garner attention from the authorities, to illustrate her point about the government’s indifference.
Mufti’s accusations highlight a deep-seated concern over the exploitation of natural resources in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to broader issues of governance, environmental stewardship, and the rights of local populations in the context of India’s policies in the region.