Srinagar, Dec 7, KNT: Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday hosted a day-long youth interaction titled ‘Kath Baat’ at a hotel in Rajbagh, Srinagar, focusing on challenges and opportunities facing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The first-of-its-kind youth listening session brought together students, young professionals, and voices from different sectors, who raised concerns related to employment, career opportunities, future prospects and other issues. Dozens of young participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing their experiences and expectations.
Addressing the gathering, Mehbooba Mufti said the objective of the interaction was not to offer instant solutions but to create a space for dialogue. “I am not here to offer ready-made solutions. I am here to create a space for listening and understanding. In the absence of dialogue and shrinking public space, we must at least listen to our own people,” she said.
Expressing concern over growing frustration among the youth, Mehbooba said she fails to understand why young people are increasingly inclined towards violence and death. Referring to a recent car blast incident in Delhi, she said such episodes raise alarming questions about alienation among youth and the absence of meaningful engagement.
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She also said she had requested Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to attend the interaction, but he was unable to do so due to restrictions. “He told me that sometimes he is allowed to venture out and at other times he remains under house arrest,” she said.
The interaction saw participation from several PDP leaders, including Nayeem Akhtar, Waheed Parra and Aga Muntazir Mehdi, who listened to the concerns raised by participants and interacted with them during the session.
Participants said platforms like ‘Kath Baat’ are essential for allowing youth to speak openly about issues affecting their lives and futures. [KNT]
