Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called for the release of prisoners ahead of Eid, describing it as a crucial confidence-building measure and an important step towards reconciliation and healing in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president urged the Union Government to listen to the voices and concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mufti said the resolution of the Kashmir issue lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution, reiterating that her party believes in engagement and peaceful negotiations as the path forward.
Referring to India-Pakistan relations, she said Pakistan should respond positively to India’s outreach efforts, adding that previous attempts at initiating dialogue had not received the desired response from across the border.
Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mufti said development initiatives alone were not enough to address the aspirations of the people. She added that meaningful dialogue and reconciliation could help establish lasting peace in the region and strengthen stability across South Asia.
The PDP chief also expressed concern over what she described as an atmosphere of fear and silence in the Valley, stating that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir deserve dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Calling for concrete measures to support peace-building efforts, Mufti urged the government to release detainees ahead of Eid, saying such a gesture would send a strong message of reconciliation and confidence to the people of the region.
