Seeks release of detainees ahead of Eid as confidence-building measure
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday pushed for opening Kashmir’s gates with all neighbouring regions and countries through dialogue, trade, and travel, stating that her roadmap is based on connectivity, people-to-people contact, and economic engagement as essential for lasting peace, and not on seeking the handover of Kashmir, a referendum, or any anti-India agenda.
“Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours. We want freedom of trade and travel,” Mufti said while addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, stressing that greater connectivity and economic engagement are essential for lasting peace, and that peace and engagement are the only sustainable path forward for Kashmir and South Asia.
Calling for the release of detainees ahead of Eid, Mufti said freeing prisoners would be the first real confidence-building measure and would send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir.
She said Delhi will have to listen to the voice of Kashmiris and that the solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution. “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity,” she said.
Mufti said Pakistan must also respond positively to India’s outreach efforts, referring to the Prime Minister’s past attempts to engage with Pakistan. She said efforts were made to open dialogue and improve ties, but “the response from the other side was not appropriate.”
Appealing directly to the Prime Minister, she said development alone is not enough. “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 further said the atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and that the youth deserve dignity and hope. “Hate must end,” she said, adding that the message of peace spoken about by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through confidence-building measures.