Mufti highlights the “crippling” economy of Kashmir
On 24th June 2025, during her conversation with the ANI, Iltija Mufti appealed to the central government and the forces in the valley to arrest the perpetrators of the 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. She talked about how the incident was a great blow to the tourism sector of the state. We all know that the tourism sector is the backbone of Kashmir, and especially the valleys like Pahalgham.
Farmers of South Kashmir on the brink
In the month of June, Mufti also talked about the irrigation issues of South Kashmir. The paddy farmers of the state are in a very bad state. The area is facing a dry spell, and it has majorly affected the paddy transplantation. The people of South Kashmir are dependent on the Bringi and the Jhelum river, but due to their depleting water levels, the situation has become extremely difficult.
Farmers are in hope of rain, as other sources of water are not available to them. Iltija talked about how the farmers are growing corn and pulses, just for the sake of keeping going.
South Kashmir fields are turning brown instead of green. The districts which are the hardest hit are Sherpora, Frisal, Chinnigam, Kujar, Wapora in Kulgam. Agricultural experts fear a sharp decline in paddy output, calling it a “climate-induced crisis.” Iltija’s appeal has brought attention to the unfolding disaster, and the farmers continue to work despite no indication of the rain.
About Iltija Mufti
Iltija Mufti, 38, a politician hailing from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Iltija Mufti is the granddaughter of Late Mufti Mohammed Syed, the founder of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the daughter of former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti.
She came into the spotlight in the year 2019, when Mehbooba Mufti was detained. She used to manage her mother’s social media account and highlighted the human rights issues of the region.
Her career in politics began in the year 2024. She contested the State Legislative Assembly Election, and lost her home seat Bijbehara, to National Conference’s Bashir Ahmed Shah Veeri by 10,000 votes. Her defeat marked PDPs lost at their home seat after 22 years.
More than her speeches, Iltija’s social media accounts speak about herself. Her accounts seem approachable, she looks like any girl from the corner. She talks about the people from her state, the women she meets on her campaigns, or the young girls, their businesses and the beauty of Kashmir.
She mentions Toiba, a young girl who runs a library called Iqbal Library, which helps young girls who are preparing for NEET examination.
Her accounts also mentioned Roshan Mustaqbill, a centre created for the youth to hone their skills. Young students have access to computers, wifi and study material.
Mufti also visited the Jagti Camp, and her instagram caption says all. She writes, “I feel ashamed to admit that in my 37 years of adult life I never even once despite hailing from a political family visited Jagti camp – a ‘township for Kashmiri Pandits’ in Jammu. Except that it resembles anything but a township.”
Her stories try to depict Kashmiriyat, which is much more than what is depicted everyday at 9 p.m. prime time news.
This article is a part of a series on what young heirs from famous political dynasties are saying.