Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – In a stark display of political elitism and hypocrisy, Omar Abdullah’s recent dismissal of social media platforms as a “University of WhatsApp and Facebook” has drawn widespread criticism from political observers and the youth of Jammu & Kashmir alike.
“Omar Abdullah’s remarks are an arrogant belittling of the platforms that serve as vital spaces for youth engagement and activism,” says Mir Junaid, President Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party.
He in a statement said, “Social media has become an essential tool for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir to organize, demand accountability, and voice their concerns. Abdullah’s mockery of these platforms signals a profound disconnect from the very generation he claims to represent. His comments undermine the legitimate activism and aspirations of the region’s youth, making it clear that he sees their voices as irrelevant and beneath his consideration.”
“What we are witnessing is a staggering depth of political cowardice and elitism from Omar Abdullah,” said Mir.. “By dismissing social media, he is dismissing the youth, their concerns, and their rightful place in shaping the future of Jammu & Kashmir.”
He further added that the hypocrisy of Abdullah’s stance is further highlighted by his own reliance on social media platforms during election campaigns. Both he and his party, the National Conference (NC), have frequently solicited public input through online platforms and have used them to promote their political agendas. His speeches, broadcasts, and outreach efforts have been disseminated across these same channels, making his recent disdain for them a glaring contradiction.
“Abdullah’s comments are not just out of touch; they reveal a politician stuck in the past, unwilling to engage with the modern tools of communication that today’s youth use to hold leaders accountable,” said Mir.. “If he truly believes social media is beneath him, perhaps he should abandon it entirely and stop using it when it suits him.”
In addition to his remarks on social media, Abdullah’s fixation on restoring Jammu & Kashmir’s special status through a “historic resolution” has been criticized as empty rhetoric. Mir labeled the resolution as a symbolic gesture that offers no concrete action or path forward. He further argued that Abdullah’s focus on the resolution is a distraction from his failure to deliver tangible results for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
“The National Conference and Omar Abdullah continue to cling to powerless resolutions and hollow posturing while ignoring the real challenges facing the region,” added Mir. “We need leaders who are willing to fight for us in today’s world, not yesterday’s.”
