Mehbooba Mufti demands ‘healing touch’ for J&K

Bijbehara, Jan 7: On the ninth death anniversary of former chief minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) founder Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, his daughter and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called for a renewed “healing touch” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Mufti Sahab pursued a policy of healing touch, and today, the people of J&K need it more than ever,” she said addressing the people who had gathered at Sayeed’s graveyard at Darashikov Garden to pay tributes to him. “The hearts of people are aching and their wounds need to be healed.”

Mehbooba cautioned against mistaking the current silence for peace.

“The graveyard silence in the region cannot be equated with peace,” she said.

The PDP chief reiterated her father’s belief in working within the ambit of the Indian constitution.

“We are not seeking the heavens but are demanding the restoration of our lost identity and dignity,” she said.

The former chief minister said that the PDP remains committed to leading the people out of the current challenges.

She also criticised the recent policies in the region.

“Why rake up issues like reservation, satellite townships, and the acquisition of productive land for rail construction without consulting the people?” Mehbooba asked.

She expressed concern over the termination of government employees in Kashmir.

On the economic difficulties faced by the people of Jammu, the PDP chief said, “The people of Jammu are grappling with significant business losses and no steps are being taken to address their problem.”

Demanding the reopening of routes for economic growth, she stressed the importance of trade and connectivity saying, “The routes opened by Mufti Muhammad Sayeed like the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road and Poonch-Rawalakot Road should be reopened.”

Mehbooba said that routes like the Jammu-Sialkot Road should also be opened for economic prosperity.

She asserted that the people were the true heirs to her father’s legacy.

“Efforts were made to weaken the PDP, but you stood by us during tough times. The party remains steadfast in fighting for your rights,” the former chief minister said.

Earlier, accompanied by her senior party leaders and family members, she offered prayers at Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s grave to mark the occasion.