Baramulla, April 16: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said that lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be achieved through force, asserting that dialogue remains the only viable path to win the trust of the people.
Addressing an interactive session titled ‘Kath Ba’ath’ in Baramulla, Mufti said her “biggest political achievement” was compelling leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party to engage with late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for talks on Kashmir.
“My biggest achievement is that I forced the BJP’s top leadership to reach Geelani’s doorstep for dialogue. This was unprecedented and has not been repeated,” she said.
Emphasising the need for a political approach, Mufti said that relying solely on security measures would not bring sustainable peace. “If the Centre wants real peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, it must focus on winning hearts. Dialogue is the only way forward,” she said.
She expressed hope that the central government would recognise the importance of engagement, adding that measures such as deployment of forces and laws like AFSPA, PSA, and UAPA cannot substitute political outreach.
The former chief minister also claimed that during her tenure she had urged the Centre to initiate dialogue on Kashmir and facilitated the withdrawal of cases against around 12,000 youth, despite being in coalition with the BJP.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, Mufti said the move had not resolved the Kashmir issue. “The issue remains alive and will continue until people feel a sense of dignity and opportunity,” she said, linking the resolution to broader social and political confidence among the youth.
She also criticised the current administration, alleging that key public concerns were not being adequately addressed.
Highlighting the role of younger generations, Mufti said that Generation Z in Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to contribute positively if provided opportunities without fear. She described the ‘Kath Ba’ath’ programme as a platform for public engagement and thanked attendees for their participation.
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