Jammu/ Srinagar, May 17, 2026:
Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday called for the release of detainees ahead of Eid, describing it as the first meaningful confidence-building measure needed to restore trust and reconciliation in Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, Mufti said Delhi would have to listen to the voice of the people of Kashmir and stressed that the resolution of the Kashmir issue lies in dialogue within the framework of the Constitution.
“We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity,” she said.
Referring to past efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage with Pakistan, Mufti said attempts were made to improve ties and open dialogue, but “the response from the other side was not appropriate.” She added that Pakistan must also respond positively to India’s outreach efforts.
Appealing directly to the Prime Minister, Mufti said development alone would not resolve the issue. “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.
The PDP chief further said the prevailing atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and asserted that the youth deserve dignity, peace and hope. “Hate must end,” she said, adding that the message of peace often spoken about by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through practical confidence-building measures.
Calling for the release of prisoners ahead of Eid, Mufti said such a step would send a strong message of healing and reconciliation to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In her address, Mufti also advocated greater regional engagement through dialogue, trade and travel. She said her roadmap for Kashmir was based on opening doors with neighbouring regions and countries and not on any anti-India agenda.
“Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours,” she said, clarifying that the objective was never to seek the handover of Kashmir or push for a referendum.
She emphasized that greater connectivity, people-to-people contact and economic engagement were essential for lasting peace in the region. “We want freedom of trade and travel,” she said, adding that peace and engagement remain the only sustainable path forward for Kashmir and South Asia.
