Mehboob urges Centre to take path of ‘dialogue and reconciliation': ‘What's India's foreign policy without J&K'
Addressing the PDP's 26th foundation day at the Sher-e-Kashmir park in Srinagar, Mufti said: 'India a big country, it has to behave like an elder brother and maintain friendly relations with its neighbours.'
The former J&K chief minister said that when a Kashmiri speaks about India's neighbours, they are reminded not to interfere in India's foreign police. However, she said: 'I want to ask the government at the Centre, what is India's foreign policy without Jammu and Kashmir?'
J&K should be India's crown and 'not a shackle around its ankles', she said. 'Hum dakhal denge (We will interfere in foreign policy) and urge you to become an older brother because your wars are fought in J&K,' Mufti said.
Referring to the exchange of fire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, she said: 'It caused a lot of destruction — our kids, mothers and fathers lost their lives. I can't say what it achieved. That war ended but the race to procure weapons by both countries got expedited'.
She underscored that while China is progressing, Pakistan was living off debt and 'our nation provides free ration to 80 crore people. Our schools and hospitals lack infrastructure, however, we want the latest guns for the sake of war'.
She also stated that the government sent several emissaries abroad to apprise foreign governments about Operation Sindoor and the state of affairs in J&K. 'So then if Kashmiris don't emphasise on dialogue, who will?'
J&K has remained a challenge for every prime minister, and 'there have been very few PMs with authority and power', she said. 'I have no hesitation in asserting that Modiji can resolve the Kashmir issue, if he wills. He has been chosen by 120 crore people and he has the power to do it.'
Speaking of enhanced security presence, use of laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA) in Kashmir, and the 'thousands languishing in jails,' she said: 'This issue will not get resolved, till you listen to the people'.
She highlighted that the people of J&K want 'peace with dignity' and 'not peace enforced through war', and spoke about the atrocities against Muslims in the country, adding that those actions also affect the people of J&K.
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