Jammu, Apr 04: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Budgam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi on Saturday termed the government’s reply on the proposed National Law University (NLU) as a “mockery of the Assembly”, saying commitments made on the floor of the House must be honoured.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly here, Mehdi said that on October 25, 2025, it was stated on the floor of the House that a National Law University would be established in Ompora area of Budgam.
“The government did not make this promise at a political rally or party meeting, but on the floor of the Assembly. In my view, this is not just a mockery of the people of Budgam, but of the Assembly itself,” he said.
Commenting on the conduct witnessed in the House, particularly involving Minister Sakeena Itoo and PDP MLA Waheed Parra, Mehdi said he does not support the manner in which reputations are being targeted.
“I am absolutely not in favour of dragging reputations—whether it is the government targeting the opposition or vice versa. Given the challenging times and the fact that people of Kashmir have sent us here, our focus should be on addressing their issues,” he said.
The PDP leader said matters such as reservation, concerns of casual labourers, daily wagers, and other pressing public issues should take precedence over political confrontations.
On the issue of private universities, he said such institutions must primarily aim at strengthening educational infrastructure within the region.
“We expect that the bill should expand educational opportunities locally so that students do not have to go outside the UT or abroad for studies,” he said.
Mehdi, however, cautioned against the commercialisation of education, saying private universities must not become “shops driven by capitalistic motives.”
“If that happens, it will lead to exorbitant fees, and poor students will be left wondering whether they can even secure admission. The core objective must remain improving access to quality education within the region,” he added—(KNO)
