Stop treating J&K as security problem, take steps for reconciliation: Mufti to PM Modi

“Decades of conflict have brought only suffering. Wars end, only to be replaced by new ones. Pakistan has invested in war machinery, and India—once revered as the ‘hathi’ for its strength and wisdom—has shackled Jammu and Kashmir with a heavy-handed approach,” she said.

Quoting the External Affairs Minister, she added, “Look at China’s GDP and where India stands today. These are not my words, but a reflection of our misplaced priorities.”

The former Chief Minister highlighted what she called the socio-economic neglect of the region. “Our country grapples with poverty. Many schools lack basic facilities like toilets and clean drinking water, yet we prioritise buying weapons and deploying more CRPF companies. How much security is enough? Militarisation cannot heal wounds. Until the Centre embraces the people of Jammu and Kashmir with empathy and addresses their genuine aspirations, no progress will be made,” she said.

In an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mufti called for bold leadership, saying the PM has the mandate of 120 crore people and the power to rewrite the story of Jammu and Kashmir.

“If India is to surpass nations like China, it must end this war-like system and take concrete steps toward reconciliation. Restore the trust of the people by engaging in a process that respects their dignity and rights,” she said.

Mufti also questioned the Centre’s approach to governance in the region: “The revocation of Article 370 has not brought peace or prosperity; it has deepened alienation. The people of J&K are not enemies, they are citizens seeking justice and inclusion. The Centre must stop treating this region as a security problem and start addressing it as a political issue requiring dialogue and statesmanship.”

She reiterated the PDP’s unwavering commitment to dialogue, a vision, she said, established by the party’s founder, the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

“Whether in power or opposition, the PDP has always championed engagement over suppression. Our goal is a peaceful, prosperous J&K, integrated with India through mutual respect, not coercion,” she said.

She added, “The PDP calls on the Central Government to initiate a credible process, restore democratic institutions in their true sense and prioritise the aspirations of the people of the region to build a future of peace and progress.”