Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called for the release of detainees ahead of Eid, describing it as the “first real confidence-building measure” needed to restore trust and reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, Mufti said the atmosphere of fear and silence in Kashmir must end and stressed that the youth deserve dignity, peace and hope. She said Delhi would eventually have to listen to the voice of the people of Kashmir.
“The solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution. We believe in engagement and talks and seek peace with dignity,” she said.
Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mufti said development alone would not resolve the issues facing the region and stressed the need for sustained dialogue to ensure peace in Kashmir and South Asia.
“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.
Referring to past outreach efforts towards Pakistan, Mufti said attempts were made to improve ties and initiate dialogue, but the response from the neighbouring country was “not appropriate”. She, however, maintained that both countries must continue efforts aimed at peace and engagement.
The PDP chief also said that the message of peace often spoken about by RSS leaders should be reflected on the ground through meaningful confidence-building measures, including the release of prisoners.
In her address, Mufti outlined what she termed as a roadmap for peace and stability in Kashmir through greater regional engagement, trade and travel.
“Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours,” she said, adding that the focus should be on enhancing people-to-people contact, economic cooperation and connectivity rather than creating further divisions.
She clarified that her vision was not linked to any demand for a referendum or any “anti-India agenda”, but was centred on promoting peace, trade and free movement across the region.
“We want freedom of trade and travel. Peace and engagement are the only sustainable path forward for Kashmir and South Asia,” she added.