People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that Jammu and Kashmir should become a bridge of friendship between India and Pakistan, not the theater of war.
Addressing the party workers, Mufti said that Jammu and Kashmir has always suffered the brunt of war and violence, comparing the region to “trampled under the feet of two fighting elephants”.
He said, “PDP will continue to raise its voice for peace and understand the feelings of the people. We should end the fear of war so that people can plan their lives and revive the economy. Jammu and Kashmir should become a bridge of understanding, friendship and cooperation, not the color of war.”
Reacting strongly to the recent comments made by the National Conference (NC) leadership, including party president Farooq Abdullah’s call for intense military action against Pakistan, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that such statements reflect the dangerous mindset.
The former Chief Minister said, “When the Indus Water Treaty was postponed by the Government of India, it was (Jammu and Kashmir) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who appreciated the move and even advocated immediate stopping the water supply to Pakistan.
He said, “Our Government of Pakistan may have political differences, but not with its people. It is sad that such remarks are being made by the leader of the country’s only Muslim -dominated state.”
Reiterating his party’s commitment to peace and dialogue, Mufti warned against the “growing wave of war rhetoric”, which continues to influence the people of the region. “These leaders want more war and more bodies. He said,” However, there is only PDP who has constantly advocated ending enmity and has talked about people’s right to live life honorably. “
