Srinagar

Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti on Wednesday accused Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of attempting to sideline Urdu and erase an important part of the region’s cultural identity.

Speaking at a press conference, Mufti alleged that the Revenue Department, which is under the chief minister, initiated steps in July 2025 to gradually remove Urdu from official use. She claimed an order was issued directing the digitisation of revenue records only in English, despite historical land documents being maintained in Urdu for generations.

Questioning the move, she said all traditional records were in Urdu and asked why English was being imposed in the system. She also criticised the government for allegedly removing the requirement of Urdu knowledge for recruitment in the Revenue Department.

Mufti said the issue was not personal but concerned the protection of a language that has historically connected different communities in Jammu and Kashmir. She asked why Urdu was being targeted now when it had remained intact through previous governments and historical periods.

According to her, weakening Urdu amounts to an attack on the culture, identity, and employment prospects of the youth in the Union Territory. She further questioned whether the government was acting under pressure from the BJP.

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On Tuesday, Mufti had led a PDP protest against the government over the decision to end Urdu as a mandatory language for revenue records.