Arsalan Aashiq
Srinagar, May 17 (KNB): Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called for the release of detainees ahead of Eid, terming it as the “first real confidence-building measure” to restore trust and reconciliation in Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, Mehbooba said New Delhi will have to listen to the voice of Kashmiris and maintained that the resolution of the Kashmir issue lies in dialogue within the framework of the Constitution.
“We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity,” she said, adding that the prevailing atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and the youth deserve dignity, hope and opportunities.
Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mehbooba said development alone cannot resolve the issue. “Development is good, but talks can make you a statesman for peace in the region and South Asia. Peace in Kashmir can show the way forward,” she said.
She also urged Pakistan to respond positively to India’s outreach efforts, stating that previous attempts to improve ties and initiate dialogue did not receive an appropriate response from the other side.
Calling for an end to hatred and division, the PDP chief said the message of peace often spoken about by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through practical confidence-building measures.
Highlighting her party’s roadmap for Kashmir, Mehbooba said the focus should be on opening Kashmir’s doors to neighbouring regions and countries through trade, travel and dialogue rather than creating new divides.
“Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours. We want freedom of trade and travel,” she said, adding that the objective was never to seek the handover of Kashmir, push for a referendum, or pursue any anti-India agenda.
She further said that greater connectivity, people-to-people contact and economic engagement are essential for lasting peace in Kashmir and South Asia. (KNB)