Mehbooba Mufti calls for dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue
The PDP President accused the National Conference of creating mistrust between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir through shifting political stances.
People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged the Centre to engage in political dialogue to address concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a workers' convention in Srinagar, the former chief minister said the region's issues cannot be settled through security measures, coercive actions, or the use of laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA).
According to a report by Greater Kashmir, Mufti blamed the National Conference (NC) for fostering an atmosphere of suspicion. She alleged that the NC had frequently altered its stance on the Kashmir issue to gain political influence. Mufti claimed the party advocated for a plebiscite for nearly 22 years before abandoning the demand following the 1975 Indira-Sheikh Accord.
The PDP President also suggested that reopening traditional trade routes to Central Asian cities, such as Kashgar, Khotan, and Yarkand, could help address long-standing regional problems. She questioned why similar arrangements to those at Lipulekh in Uttarakhand were not being explored for Jammu and Kashmir.
Mufti criticised the use of administrative measures, such as dismissing government employees, as a solution to political concerns. She stated that a policy based on force and restrictions could not be maintained indefinitely and noted that people in the region have faced prolonged pressure over the last seven years.