SRINAGAR: A day after the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir filed a chargesheet against 22 individuals — including Member of Parliament and senior National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi — in connection with an alleged fraudulent land compensation case, Ruhullah hit back, calling the allegations a “frivolous attempt” to stifle his political voice.
Addressing the media in Srinagar, Ruhullah said the case pertained to a nearly two-decade-old land acquisition in Durbal Bemina, where the government had acquired land to rehabilitate displaced Dal dwellers. “An April Fool’s joke is being played on April 13,” he said, adding, “A narrative is being spun that a massive scam has taken place and that I’m somehow its mastermind. Let me be clear: I had no role in this matter other than being a legal heir.”
According to Ruhullah, the land in question originally belonged to his grandfather, who owned over 90 kanals in the area. Compensation, he said, was awarded based not just on revenue records but also on actual possession as per government guidelines. “Our family received compensation for 40–50 kanals. My siblings and I got a nominal share of Rs 80,000 each, transferred through my uncle’s account. I was not involved in any negotiations or compensation dealings,” he stated.
He said the entire process was overseen by his eldest uncle, who acted as the custodian of the property. “I never dealt with the government. I was neither consulted nor informed about anything. I have not even received a notice or been questioned in this matter,” Ruhullah said, expressing shock at being named in the chargesheet.
Calling the case baseless and politically motivated, Ruhullah alleged that the charges were an attempt by the administration to target his outspoken stance on constitutional rights, human rights, and the abrogation of Article 370. “This is not about Rs 80,000. This is about silencing a voice that refuses to bend,” he said. “I suggest they also bring in the NIA and every central agency if they truly believe there’s a scam.”
Ruhullah added that he would not remain silent unless Article 370 is restored, atrocities against minorities are stopped, and the constitutional dignity of Jammu and Kashmir is reinstated. He invoked his spiritual roots, saying, “I come from a darsgah where we are taught to stand firm for our rights — even if it means enduring hardship or sacrificing our lives.”
He also apologised to his family members, six of whom have also been named in the chargesheet, saying they had been dragged into the matter without justification. “I hope they stand by me in this testing time,” he said.
Touching on religious issues, Ruhullah criticised the central government’s control over Muslim religious institutions and said the National Conference would move the Supreme Court against the Waqf Act. He expressed disappointment that he was not able to speak on the Waqf Bill in Parliament, stating that the party’s floor leader Mian Altaf had spoken instead. He also questioned why the former Jammu and Kashmir Assembly had not passed a resolution opposing the Bill. “Even if sub judice, a resolution would have reflected public sentiment,” he said.
On the issue of statehood, Ruhullah said it would not be restored easily and criticised the political leadership for passivity. “We should have mobilised politically. Fifty MLAs should have camped outside the Prime Minister’s and Home Minister’s residences. But instead, we are running away from the people’s aspirations,” he said.
Thanking the people of Budgam for their continued support, he acknowledged their demand that the vacated Assembly seat once again be held by a local. “I represented Budgam for 18 years. Their love is unforgettable, and I respect their desire to be represented by one of their own.”
Ruhullah concluded by reaffirming his commitment to principled politics. “We must not reduce our politics to election contests alone. Our politics must carry the weight of public trust and honour the promises we make.”
