The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the cancellation of over 1.27 lakh ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it “unwarranted and cruel.” PDP leader Iltija Mufti urged the government to reconsider this decision, stating that the affected ration card holders are people living below the poverty line, and the cancellation would cause significant distress to many families.
Mufti expressed her concerns on X, saying, “The newly elected J&K government’s decision to cancel 1.27 lakh ration cards of below poverty line families is unwarranted & cruel. Hope they revisit this ill-timed order which has put people in great distress.”
The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that since 2013, 1,27,872 fake and duplicate ration cards have been cancelled in Jammu and Kashmir, along with 702 in Ladakh. This action is part of efforts to ensure food subsidies reach the right people.
However, Mufti argued that these ration cards belong to poor families and their cancellation would create problems for them. She pointed out that the same government had promised in its manifesto to provide 10 kgs of flour and rice free every month.
In a video posted on X, Mufti appealed to the J-K government not to proceed with this decision, as each ration card often supports four to five family members, leading to distress for thousands of families. She urged the government to revoke the order immediately.
Another PDP leader, Waheed Para, who is an MLA from Pulwama, criticized the ruling National Conference’s silence on the issue, suggesting it indicates a “tactical understanding.” He questioned the basis for cancelling 1.27 lakh ration cards, noting that many received additional rations under the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme to combat hunger. Para expressed shock at the government’s silence despite their claims of increasing ration quantities in their manifesto.
