Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, has made an appeal to political parties across the spectrum, asking them not to politicise the Union Government’s initiatives aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in conflict-prone regions.
Addressing the media during a public interaction in Srinagar, Mufti stated that attempts by the Modi-led government to pursue peaceful means and dialogue-based resolution processes should be encouraged rather than criticised for political gain. She stressed that peace is a shared objective that transcends political ideologies and urged all parties to contribute constructively.
“Governments must be allowed to explore peaceful options, whether in Jammu and Kashmir or with neighbouring countries. Criticising such steps for short-term political advantage only weakens the broader cause of stability and national unity,” she said.
Mufti's comments come in the backdrop of debates around the central government’s approach towards handling issues in Jammu and Kashmir, especially concerning engagement with stakeholders and neighbouring nations. She pointed out that history has shown dialogue to be more effective than confrontation, and any effort to resolve long-standing disputes through peaceful engagement should be welcomed by all.
She further stated that using peace talks as a tool for political attacks damages not only the credibility of those involved in the process but also the morale of the people who yearn for a peaceful future. “Political competition should not come at the cost of collective progress,” she added.
The PDP leader reiterated her party’s long-standing stand on dialogue and reconciliation. She noted that both former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh had tried to initiate peace processes which were met with cautious optimism from different quarters.
“Whether it was the bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad or cross-border trade initiatives, such steps generated goodwill and hope. We must learn from these examples and refrain from discouraging any fresh attempts at peace,” Mufti said.
She also criticized those who, she alleged, were attempting to score political points by dismissing the government’s peace efforts as weakness or failure. “Encouraging peaceful dialogue is not a sign of surrender; it is a sign of leadership. We should mature beyond reactionary politics,” she asserted.
In her concluding remarks, Mufti appealed to all stakeholders, including opposition leaders, civil society, and the media, to view peace-building measures through a lens of national interest rather than partisanship.
As discussions continue over the direction of policy in Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti's statement has added an important voice to the call for non-partisan support for peace. Her message underscores the need for collective responsibility and a long-term vision when it comes to resolving sensitive regional issues in India.
