Srinagar, Jun 05: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Wednesday criticised the present administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on the promises made before elections despite having a clear and popular mandate.
He said that while the government has focused more on “optics” and “hollow assurances”, the real needs and aspirations of the people remain unaddressed on the ground.
In a statement issued here, Yaseen said, “It is unfortunate that despite having an elected government in place, no significant progress has been made in addressing public concerns. Instead, the government continues to rely on old tactics of symbolism, ribbon-cutting, and repackaging old projects to claim credit. These superficial measures do not amount to real governance.”
Taking a dig at the government, he remarked that many of the projects being inaugurated today were either conceptualised or implemented under previous governments. “These are languishing projects, and instead of taking forward any new vision, they are simply cutting ribbons for media headlines. In contrast, the leadership in Ladakh has almost won its battle for safeguards and rights without even having an elected assembly,” Hakeem said.
The PDF chief said the Jammu and Kashmir government should “stop taking undue credit” for the possible return of statehood, since it has already been publicly assured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “The people are not fooled by ceremonial speeches. They want timelines, results, and accountability,” he said.
His remarks came in the backdrop of major policy announcements for Ladakh, which was carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019. On June 3, 2025, the Union Government notified a set of sweeping policy measures aimed at safeguarding the interests of Ladakhi residents following sustained pressure from civil society groups in the region.
The former minister said this stark contrast should serve as a wake-up call for both the government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Our region, with all its historical, political, and emotional significance, continues to remain in limbo while Ladakh moves ahead with concrete guarantees. We must reflect on where we are falling short — both in governance and civil engagement,” he added.
“The present government must shift its focus from ceremonial achievements to meaningful policy actions and ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not left behind in the new political and administrative landscape of the region,” he added.
