Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called for the release of detainees ahead of Eid as a confidence-building measure while simultaneously advocating greater regional engagement, trade, and travel as part of what she described as a long-term roadmap for peace in Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti said Delhi would eventually have to listen to the voice of the people of Kashmir, asserting that the resolution of the Kashmir issue lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution.
“We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity,” she said.
Mufti appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate confidence-building measures beginning with the release of prisoners ahead of Eid, saying such a move would send a message of reconciliation and healing across Kashmir.
Calling it the “first real confidence-building measure,” she said the release of detainees could help reduce the atmosphere of fear and silence which, according to her, continues to affect the Valley’s youth.
“The youth deserve dignity and hope. Hate must end,” she said, while adding that messages of peace often spoken about by RSS leaders should also translate into action on the ground.
The former Chief Minister also outlined her broader political roadmap centered on dialogue, economic connectivity, and regional engagement. She said her vision was based on opening routes of trade and travel with neighboring regions and countries rather than creating new divisions.
“Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours,” Mufti said. “We want freedom of trade and travel.”
She clarified that her political position was neither aimed at seeking the “handover of Kashmir” nor linked to demands for a referendum or any anti-India agenda. Instead, she said the focus should remain on people-to-people contact, economic cooperation, and peaceful engagement.
Mufti also said Pakistan must respond positively to India’s outreach efforts. Referring to previous attempts by the Prime Minister to improve ties with Pakistan, she said initiatives for dialogue had been undertaken in the past but “the response from the other side was not appropriate.”
She argued that while infrastructure and development projects are important, political engagement remains necessary for lasting peace in the region.
“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. [KNT]
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