Need Vajpayee like leadership to solve J&K problems: Mehbooba

Former chief minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday hailed former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure “a golden period for J&K.”

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Mufti paid glowing tributes to the late prime minister on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, remembering him as a “statesman who transcended ideological boundaries to address the most complex challenges of the nation, particularly those faced by Jammu and Kashmir.”

“Despite his ideological background, Vajpayee ji rose above partisan politics and extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan, even in the face of immense hostility. His belief that ‘neighbours cannot be changed, but relations can be reimagined’ was a testament to his statesmanship,” she said.

Mehbooba highlighted how Vajpayee’s outreach to Pakistan, including the historic Lahore bus journey in 1999 and subsequent peace initiatives, laid the groundwork for building trust and reducing tensions in the subcontinent. “His courage to pursue dialogue, even after the Kargil War and numerous terror attacks, showed his unwavering commitment to peace. It was Vajpayee ji’s leadership, coupled with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s critical understanding and advocacy, which led to historic confidence-building measures in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said, according to a party statement.

She further stressed the need for similar leadership today to lift the people of Jammu and Kashmir out of decades-long violence and uncertainty. “We need leaders who can rise above divisive politics, inspire confidence and bridge divides not just within the region, but across the subcontinent. Vajpayee Ji’s legacy reminds us that Jammu and Kashmir can serve as a bridge of peace, not a battleground for discord,” Mehbooba said.