The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday commemorated its 26th Foundation Day with a special event held at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar.
On the occasion, party president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for the restoration of dialogue and reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the people of Kashmir aspire for “peace with dignity.”
In her address, Mehbooba Mufti invoked the legacy of her father and PDP founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, describing the day as a tribute to his vision of “Aman ki Baat, Izzat ke Saath” (Peace with Dignity). She emphasized that the PDP was founded during a period of political uncertainty—not to disrupt, but to alleviate the sufferings of the people.
“Mufti Sahab always believed that India should be strong, yet compassionate,” she said. “He used to describe India as an elephant—majestic and powerful—but sadly, that elephant has now shackled itself with chains, and those chains are Jammu and Kashmir.”
Mehbooba expressed concern over what she called the shrinking democratic space for Kashmiris, particularly when they speak about India’s foreign policy.
“Whenever a Kashmiri talks about peace with Pakistan, they’re told to stay silent. But how can you discuss foreign policy and leave out Jammu and Kashmir, when we are the ones who pay the price in blood? Our children and fathers died—but for what? The result is zero,” she asserted.
She also questioned the government’s development priorities, drawing comparisons with China.
“Despite our younger population, we continue to lag behind China in almost every sector. Even the External Affairs Minister acknowledges that we can’t match China. Then why spend billions on missiles, while education and healthcare remain neglected?” she asked.
Highlighting Pakistan’s continued role in India’s security discourse, Mehbooba said:
“If you call Kashmir an integral part of India, then let Kashmiris have a voice. You wage wars in our name, yet silence us when we speak.”
The PDP president said Jammu and Kashmir has seen the leadership of several Indian prime ministers— from Indira Gandhi to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh—who all made efforts. “Now, it’s up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has the mandate and the strength—if he chooses the path of peace,” she said.
She expressed deep concern over the rising use of laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the increasing deployment of forces in the region.
“How many more arrests, how many more killings? Even tribal communities are not being spared. This is not how peace is built,” she warned.
Mehbooba concluded by appreciating India’s decision to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament and urged a similar policy of engagement in Kashmir.
“Talk to the people, listen to them, embrace them. That’s how peace is built—not through force, but by winning hearts,” she said. (Media reports)
