Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Dialogue and Reopening of Central Asian Routes, Accuses National Conference of Creating Mistrust
Peoples Democratic Party president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called for dialogue to address the political issues in Jammu and Kashmir. She has also urged the Central Government to reopen traditional trade routes connecting the region with Central Asia. During a party workers' convention in Srinagar, she strongly criticised the ruling National Conference, accusing the party of creating mistrust between the Central Government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir through its changing political positions.
Her remarks have brought renewed attention to the political debate surrounding Jammu and Kashmir, regional connectivity and the need for dialogue between different stakeholders.
Mehbooba Mufti Addresses Party Workers in Srinagar
Mehbooba Mufti addressed a workers' convention organised by the Peoples Democratic Party in Srinagar on November 2. The gathering was also associated with the party's foundation day celebrations.
During her address, she discussed the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned the role of the National Conference in shaping relations between the region and the Central Government.
She alleged that the party had repeatedly changed its political positions over the years, creating confusion and mistrust among the people. She also referred to the historical political developments surrounding Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India and the subsequent demands for greater autonomy.
According to Mufti, these political developments contributed to uncertainty among the people of the region.
National Conference Faces Criticism
During the convention, Mehbooba Mufti launched a strong criticism of the ruling National Conference. She accused the party of adopting different political positions at different times and described it as the original traitor in Jammu and Kashmir.
She also questioned the political statements made by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah regarding Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir.
Mufti alleged that the party's political messaging had contributed to mistrust between New Delhi and the people of the region. She referred to the political history of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his changing positions on accession, autonomy and the demand for a plebiscite.
She argued that these developments had created uncertainty among Kashmiris regarding the political direction of the region.
These remarks were part of her political criticism of the National Conference and reflected the continuing differences between the two regional parties.
Calls for Dialogue Between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir
One of the major points raised by Mehbooba Mufti was the need for dialogue to address the issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir.
She argued that political challenges in the region could not be resolved through strict security measures or the continued use of legal provisions such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Public Safety Act.
She also referred to the dismissal of government employees and the detention of individuals while discussing the broader political situation.
According to Mufti, meaningful discussions involving the Central Government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir were necessary to build mutual trust.
She maintained that dialogue and political engagement should receive greater attention in efforts to address the concerns of the region.
Demand to Reopen Traditional Routes to Central Asia
Mehbooba Mufti also highlighted the importance of reopening traditional routes connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Central Asia.
She specifically referred to historical trade routes leading to Kashgar, Khotan and Yarkand. These routes historically played an important role in regional trade and cultural connections.
According to Mufti, reopening such routes could improve connectivity and create opportunities for trade and economic development.
She also referred to the existing arrangements at Lipulekh in Uttarakhand while discussing the possibility of improving regional connectivity.
The proposal to reopen traditional routes has brought attention to the importance of cross-border trade, transport connectivity and economic cooperation in the region.
However, any such initiative would require consideration of diplomatic relations, border arrangements and national security requirements.
Historical Political Developments in Jammu and Kashmir
During her speech, Mufti referred to the political developments that followed Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India in 1947.
She discussed the role of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of the National Conference, and questioned the party's subsequent political positions.
She also referred to the 1975 Indira-Sheikh Accord, arguing that the National Conference had changed its earlier political demands.
According to her, these political developments contributed to the mistrust that continues to affect relations between the region and the Central Government.
Her comments reflected the continuing political disagreement between the Peoples Democratic Party and the National Conference over the region's political history and future.
Focus on Peace, Trust and Regional Development
Mehbooba Mufti emphasised that lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir requires public confidence, political dialogue and greater engagement between the government and local communities.
She urged party workers to communicate the concerns of the people and remain active in addressing regional issues.
She also highlighted the importance of dignity, political identity and economic opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Her remarks included criticism of policies that rely primarily on security measures rather than political discussions.
Political Debate Continues in Jammu and Kashmir
The statements made by Mehbooba Mufti have added another dimension to the political debate between the Peoples Democratic Party and the ruling National Conference.
Her criticism focused on the National Conference's historical political positions, its relationship with the Central Government and its approach towards regional issues.
At the same time, her demand for dialogue and the reopening of traditional Central Asian trade routes has highlighted broader discussions about regional connectivity and economic development.
The future of these proposals will depend on decisions by the concerned authorities, diplomatic considerations and discussions involving relevant stakeholders.
For now, Mehbooba Mufti's remarks in Srinagar have renewed political attention on dialogue, regional connectivity and the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the Central Government.
