Srinagar, May 17: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday made a strong pitch for the release of prisoners ahead of Eid, calling it the “first real confidence-building measure” to ease tensions in the Valley, while asserting that the solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue within the framework of the Constitution.
Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president said Delhi will have to listen to the voice of Kashmiris. “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity,” she said, emphasising that development alone is insufficient without meaningful political outreach.
In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past attempts to engage with Pakistan, Mehbooba Mufti said New Delhi’s outreach efforts did not receive an “appropriate response” from the other side. She called on Pakistan to respond positively to India’s initiatives, while appealing directly to the Prime Minister to seize the moment. “Talks can make you a statesman for peace in the region and South Asia. Peace in Kashmir can show the way forward,” she said.
PDP President also took aim at the atmosphere of silence and fear in the Valley, demanding that it end immediately. “Hate must end,” she said, adding that the message of peace spoken about by RSS leaders must reflect on the ground. Freeing prisoners ahead of Eid, she asserted, would send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti said her roadmap for Kashmir is based on opening doors with all neighbouring regions and countries through dialogue, trade and travel. “Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours. We want freedom of trade and travel,” she said, stressing that greater connectivity and people-to-people contact are essential for lasting peace.
She made it clear that her objective was never to seek the handover of Kashmir, push for a referendum, or pursue any secessionist agenda. Instead, the focus must be on creating economic opportunities and building bridges across the region instead of deepening divisions. “Peace and engagement are the only sustainable path forward for Kashmir and South Asia,” Mufti added. (KNS)
