People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said India should talk to Pakistan for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. She made the remarks at a party gathering to commemorate the 22nd foundation day of the PDP.
“The ceasefire between India and Pakistan (in February this year) was a result of dialogue. Then what’s wrong with resolving the issue and ending the bloodshed?” she said.
In February, Pakistan and India announced that they had recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire arrangement at the LOC. A joint statement made the surprise announcement after several border skirmishes and violations.
Pakistan has continued to call for the 2003 ceasefire agreement to be honored and I am glad we have reached the understanding. It must be followed in letter and spirit. 3/4
— Moeed W. Yusuf (@YusufMoeed) February 25, 2021
According to experts, the ceasefire agreement was a result of back-door diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
Therefore, Mufti states that if India and Pakistan could agree to a ceasefire through diplomacy, then they should also
Read more: India, Pakistan agree to restore ceasefire along disputed Kashmir border
“The ceasefire has resulted in peace along borders and lesser infiltration. This has brought relief to the people,” she said.
“We are talking to China which has occupied our land. You (the government) might not admit it but that is the case. Shimla Agreement and Tashkent agreement between India and Pakistan were about Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehbooba Mufti added.
She also reiterated her demand for restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and urged the people of Kashmir Valley to fight for it.
“When India can achieve freedom from the British after 70 years when the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] can snatch Jammu and Kashmir’s special status after 70 years, why can’t we keep fighting for our rights,” she asked.
Read more: Assessing the political reality of Kashmir dispute
Mehbooba Mufti’s constant advocacy for Kashmir
This is not the first time Mufti urged for a dialogue between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
Back in February this year, Mufti also reiterated her stance for dialogue. Due to the peak in violence in Kashmir, Mehbooba urged the Indian government to talk to Pakistan.
She also quoted former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s policy of dialogue with Pakistan for the permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue.
“Across the world, every issue is resolved through dialogue and here also dialogue should start with J&K and Pakistan,” said Mufti.