Mehbooba urges Centre for fresh outreach in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 7: Asserting that the car blast near Red Fort in New Delhi last month and the subsequent facts revealed by the investigation had become a matter of concern, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said the Centre must review its Kashmir policy to initiate dialogue and reconciliation, which would also help actively engage the youth.

Addressing media persons after a youth interaction programme here, she said the Delhi blast, which allegedly involved educated youth, had shaken her, leading to a unanimous decision within the PDP leadership to hold deliberations with people in Kashmir, particularly the youth, to understand their problems.

“The youth is so disheartened that we really wanted to know what is forcing them to embrace death over life,” Mehbooba said.

She said the PDP would continue to hold interactions with youth in other districts as well.

“This interaction saw participation of youth apart from our party leaders. This is the first of a series of meetings, and we will be visiting other districts to understand the people’s point of view,” the former chief minister said.

She said it was unfortunate that Kashmiris living outside the Valley were being harassed.

The PDP president said if the need arises, the PDP leadership would hold discussions with national-level political parties to create a safe ecosystem for Kashmiris in other states.

“If needed, we will go to the rest of the country and take on board leaders of other political parties, including the BJP, to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

Mehbooba said the situation in J&K was getting from bad to worse.

She said that there was an urgent need to look for a solution to address various issues.

“J&K wants to live in harmony and peace with the rest of the country. Instead of UAPA and other pressure tactics, there should be a focus on invoking the peace formula and roadmap created by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with PDP founder Mufti (Muhammad Sayeed) Sahab,” the PDP chief said.

She said there was an urgent need for the Centre to adopt a mode of reconciliation with the people of J&K.

“PDP is ready to be a bridge between the rest of the country and the people of J&K. The end result should be that J&K coexists with the country with joy and prosperity,” Mehbooba said.

Referring again to the Delhi blast, she said it was quite alarming, “the way a youngster became a bomber, especially at a time when guns had been shunned.”

“Peace is possible when the youth of Kashmir are not cornered and harassed. It is high time that a mode of dialogue is kick-started by the Centre,” the former chief minister said.