Centre must revisit Kashmir policy to initiate dialogue: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Nov 16: Urging the central government to change its policy on Kashmir and make it more dialogue-oriented, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday expressed concern that instead of holding deliberations, the “power centres have been busy victimising innocents.”

Addressing party leaders at the executive committee meeting of the PDP, Mehbooba said the dispensation at the Centre must realise that “people in Kashmir have forever accepted a future driven by its agenda of growth and development”.

She said that the peace-driven approach of Kashmir’s people must be utilised to yield positive results.

“There is no dialogue at all since 2019, as all doors have been shut. The only thing we get to see is raids and action against innocent people. All we get to hear are things from a security point of view with no focus on a dialogue,” Mehbooba said.

She said the Centre must reach out to the people.

“Instead of pressure tactics, there is a need to win hearts,” the former chief minister said.

She said all the means of dialogue had been blocked, which had eroded any ground that could have been prepared to “heal people’s wounds.”

“I would like to tell people at the helm not to be influenced by the war-mongering global forces. Instead, take inspiration by invoking the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi or the peace formula of late Atal Bihari Vajyapee. I would make an earnest appeal to the central government to revisit its policies on J&K so that there is an end to a sense of fear,” Mehbooba said.

The PDP chief recollected that her father late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, always saw the “nationalist side” of the BJP.

However, she said that the BJP had “not lived up to those expectations.”

“I would urge the BJP to feel the pain of Kashmiris, introspect, and stop playing vote bank politics by communalising issues,” Mehbooba said.

She said people in Kashmir welcome a probe into the Red Fort blast.

“Any support required for investigations must be extended,” the former chief minister said.

However, she said a situation had been created where “the entire population of Kashmir is made the scapegoat for the fault of a few.”

The PDP President appealed to political, social, and religious bodies to guide youth in taking up more “meaningful means” for contributing to take J&K out of the turmoil, rather than leading to a tragic end to their lives.

“They should take inspiration from the young leader Aga Muntazir Sahab, who fought and won the election and became a people’s representative. I am aware that there is a lot of hopelessness among the youth, but I would urge them not to give up,” Mehbooba said.

She said that in 2019, “J&K was stripped of its identity and basic constitutional rights”.

“It is high time that the Centre provides a healing touch,” Mehbooba said.

The former chief minister urged the PDP cadre to strengthen their base in different districts and gear up for the local body polls.

She said party workers must adopt a grassroots level approach to take up issues of the people.

“Our MLAs raised three bills in the Assembly, and with whatever small representation our legislators have, they have been vocal on people’s issues,” Mehbooba said.

RED FORT BLAST PROBE WELCOME

Meanwhile, in a statement issued here, the PDP chief expressed deep sorrow and strong condemnation over the devastating blast near Delhi’s historic Red Fort, which claimed innocent lives and left many others injured.

Mehbooba also expressed profound grief over the accidental blast at the Nowgam Police Station that tragically took nine lives and wounded several others.

The PDP chief said that in moments of tragedy, the nation must stand firm on dialogue, empathy, and unity.

“Patience and humanity are more important today than ever before,” she said.

Meanwhile, the PDP also extended heartfelt solidarity to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those fighting for their lives.

In a resolution, the party said that no ideology or grievance can justify the killing of innocent people.

It said that violence wounds the very soul of humanity.

The resolution called for a transparent, honest, and fair investigation but cautioned that no innocent person should be harassed in the name of inquiry.

It said that justice must never come at the cost of dignity.

“The painful lessons of the past, where force and pressure only deepened alienation, must not be repeated,” the PDP resolution said.

Reaffirming its belief in non-violence, dialogue, and democratic values, it said that differences in thought or ideology must be resolved through peaceful and constitutional means.

“The problem right now is the complete breakdown of conversation between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Kashmir is not being allowed, not to speak of facilitated, to come out of the shock, hurt, and humiliation of the decisions of August 5, 2019,” the PDP resolution said. “To restore dignity and self-respect, national leadership across party lines must reach out to the generation whose grandparents chose to stand with the idea of India. This will require moving beyond exclusive dependence on security measures.”

YOUTH MUST LIVE FOR KASHMIR NOT DIE

Speaking about the role of young people, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said: “Our youth must live for Kashmir, not die for it. Their dreams and courage are the true strength of our homeland. We need them to build a peaceful and prosperous Kashmir, not lose their lives in the name of politics or ideology.”

The PDP also expressed deep concern over reports that educated and well-established young men are under investigation.

It described this as a painful moment that demands collective reflection.

PDP questioned why talented minds feel pushed towards despair and destruction.

“Education alone cannot protect society from extremism. Young people also need compassion, opportunity, and a sense of belonging,” the PDP said.

Remaining committed to peace with dignity and reconciliation, the PDP urged the Centre to address growing alienation with sensitivity and compassion rather than force.

Mehbooba said, “Our wounds cannot heal through blame or revenge. They heal through compassion, courage, and truth. Dialogue is not a weakness. It is the highest expression of strength. It is time for all of us to rise above fear and prejudice and work together for a brighter and more peaceful future.”

She also expressed gratitude to her colleagues and party workers for standing by the party and its principles during the most challenging times.

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