Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has urged the release of political detainees and Kashmir prisoners ahead of Eid as a confidence-building measure.
Calling for detainees to be freed ahead of Eid, Mufti said such a step would serve as a genuine confidence-building measure and send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, she said Delhi must listen to the voice of Kashmiris. Stressing that the solution to the Kashmir issue lies in dialogue within the framework of the Constitution, she stated, “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity.”
Mufti also emphasized that Pakistan must respond positively to India’s outreach efforts. Referring to previous attempts by the Prime Minister to engage with Pakistan, she said, “Efforts were made to open dialogue and improve ties, but the response from the other side was not appropriate.”
Appealing directly to the Prime Minister, she said development alone is not sufficient. “Development is good, but talks can make you a statesman for peace in the region and South Asia. Peace in Kashmir can show the way forward,” she said.
She further highlighted the need to end the atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir, asserting that youth deserve dignity and hope. “Hate must end,” she said, adding that the message of peace spoken about by RSS leaders should also translate into confidence-building measures on the ground.
