𝐌𝐞𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐛𝐚 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐭, 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞, 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧

Srinagar, Apr 17 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti launched a pointed critique of both the BJP-led Centre and former Hurriyat leaders on Thursday, stating that Kashmir’s fate might have been different had the separatist leadership engaged in dialogue efforts back in 2016.

Speaking at a party convention in Srinagar, Mehbooba said, “In 2016, I brought leaders like Arun Jaitley and the Home Minister to the table for talks, but Hurriyat shut the door. That was the opportunity for dialogue. If they had responded, Kashmir’s story could have taken a different turn.”

Targeting the current government, she contrasted the resistance of 2016 with today’s situation. “Back then, youth were on the streets with stones and guns. Now, the government uses UAPA, PSA, NIA raids, job dismissals, and passport cancellations as tools of oppression,” she said.

Calling for genuine peace-building, she urged the government to release detained youth, stop arbitrary job terminations, and reinstate cancelled passports. “If peace is your goal, prove it through actions, not just slogans,” she said.

Touching on communal concerns, Mehbooba expressed sorrow over the Pandit exodus and warned the BJP against creating similar fear among Muslims elsewhere. “Don’t repeat history by instilling fear in Indian Muslims,” she cautioned.

Concluding her address, she described Jammu and Kashmir as India’s crown, insisting it must represent dignity, not repression. “If you disagree, be honest. But don’t pretend to embrace Kashmir while shutting its doors,” she added.