Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called for a comprehensive dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, saying that any peace process should begin with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. . Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Addressing a workers’ convention, the Peoples Democratic Party president referred to recent remarks made by a senior RSS functionary supporting talks with Pakistan and described the development as a positive step.
However, she stressed that the dialogue should not remain limited to the governments of India and Pakistan alone.
“It should start from Kashmir. It should start from Jammu and Kashmir. This is what our people are demanding,” Mehbooba Mufti said.
She also called for confidence-building measures across the Line of Control (LoC), including reopening trade and travel routes between Uri and Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot.
Mehbooba demanded the opening of more roads and asked the government to return power projects currently managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
The PDP chief further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his political influence to work towards a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.
Recalling PM Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore in 2015, she said the Prime Minister has the authority and opportunity to take bold initiatives for peace.
“If PM Modi wants his name to go down in history, then he has a golden opportunity to find a solution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue, heal the wounds of the people, and involve Pakistan in the process,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti also demanded the rollback of strict laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA), saying the people of Kashmir deserve peace and freedom after years of suffering.
She added that people in the Valley want better connectivity with Pakistan, China, and Central Asia, and urged authorities to open routes for trade and movement.
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