SRINAGAR: Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and PDP Chief, Mehbooba Mufti has expressed concerns about recent developments concerning the lithium reserves in the region.
“Following the Government of India’s (GOI) control over Jammu and Kashmir’s water resources and minerals, attention has now shifted to the extensive lithium reserves lying beneath the region’s surface,” Mufti said.
Lithium, a critical component in modern batteries, holds global significance in the transition to cleaner and sustainable energy solutions. With the world’s increasing adoption of electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronic devices, the demand for lithium has surged. Jammu and Kashmir possesses significant lithium deposits crucial to meeting this growing global demand.
“Lithium reserves in Jammu may be exploited and offered to crony capitalists associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), potentially depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their fair share of the wealth generated from these resources,” Mufti said.
She added, “Lithium is a globally coveted resource, and Jammu and Kashmir’s reserves are of great importance, not only for our region but for the entire nation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the exploitation of these resources benefits the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not just a select few.”
Mufti insists that the Government of India must follow suit in ensuring the equitable distribution of the wealth generated from Jammu and Kashmir’s lithium reserves.
Given these concerns, Mehbooba Mufti demands accountability from the Government of India regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s share in the exploitation of its lithium reserves. She emphasises the need for transparency, fair compensation, and active involvement of local stakeholders in the decision-making process.
