by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: Marking the 26th Foundation Day of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), party president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a political process in Jammu and Kashmir. She said the region needs reconciliation, not repression, and warned that no amount of security deployment or tough laws could replace a genuine political outreach.
The commemorative event was held at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar and was attended by party workers, leaders, and functionaries. The date, July 28, marks the day when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, a former Union Home Minister and two-time Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, formally launched the PDP in 1999 at a time when the region was grappling with an intense phase of armed conflict.
Mehbooba Mufti said the PDP was not born out of political ambition but out of necessity. “When the PDP was formed, Jammu and Kashmir was trapped between militants and security forces. The Task Force, Ikhwan groups, and counterinsurgency had made daily life unbearable. Mufti Sahab wanted to create political space amid that chaos,” she said.
PDP Was Formed To Reduce Suffering, Not Seize Power
She said the founding principle of the PDP was “Aman ki baat, izzat ke saath”—peace with dignity. “Mufti Sahab believed India should be a strong country, but one that is generous and inclusive. He used to describe India as a huge elephant—majestic and stable—but unfortunately, this elephant has chained itself, and that chain is Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
According to her, the PDP was never meant to be a disruptive force. “It was formed to restore the dignity of people. Our fight has always been for their dignity, not power,” she said.
If Modi Ji Wishes, He Can Solve Masl-e-Kashmir
In her most direct appeal to date, Mehbooba Mufti said, “If Modi Ji wishes, he can solve masl-e-Kashmir. He has the mandate of 120 crore people. If he wants India to move ahead and compete with China, this war-like system in Kashmir must end.”
She said reconciliation is no longer a political slogan but a national necessity. “We have seen enough of bunkers, surveillance, arrests, and detentions. But has anything changed? UAPA, PSA, mass arrests—how many more will you detain? How long will you keep sending CRPF companies?” she asked.
JK Bears The Cost of Every War
Mehbooba questioned why Kashmiris are not part of India’s foreign policy discussions. “Every time a Kashmiri speaks of peace with Pakistan, we are told to stay silent. But how can foreign policy be discussed without Kashmir? Every war you’ve fought, we’ve paid for in blood. Our children died, our fathers died. What did we achieve? Zero,” she said.
She said the silence imposed on the region was political, not accidental. “You say Kashmir is an integral part, yet you keep us out of every serious conversation. You fight in our name but deny us a voice.”
Democratic Space Shrinking
She raised concerns about the shrinking democratic space in the region. “Earlier, we could protest, we could speak. Now, even that has become a punishable act. Tribal communities, who had nothing to do with politics, are now facing the brunt. What kind of message does that send?” she questioned.
Referring to the use of laws like the Public Safety Act, she said the state machinery was being used to instil fear, not foster trust. “Can jails and FIRs build relationships? Can surveillance build loyalty?”
India’s Development Paradox
Mehbooba also questioned the Centre’s development priorities, drawing comparisons with other countries. “Pakistan is behind Bangladesh and is in debt. But China has surged ahead economically. Look at China’s GDP. And here we are, spending on missiles while many government schools don’t even have toilets or clean water,” she said.
She added that India has a young population but lags behind on development metrics. “Even our own External Affairs Minister has said we can’t match China. What is the use of this aggressive posturing when our foundations are weak?”
Legacy of Past Prime Ministers
Mehbooba Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir has tested every Indian prime minister—from Indira Gandhi to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. “They all tried in their own way. Some succeeded briefly, others failed. But at least there was an effort. Now, the responsibility is with Prime Minister Modi. He has the political capital. It depends on what path he chooses.”
Call for Engagement
She welcomed India’s decision to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup cricket tournament, where matches will be hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. “If you can play cricket across borders, why can’t you talk within your own country? Why can’t that same engagement be applied to Kashmir?” she asked.
She ended her address by reiterating PDP’s core philosophy: “We are not your enemies. We are the party of peace. Leave this war-footing behind. Come, let us talk. Kashmiris want to be embraced, not ruled with fear. Real peace will only come when hearts are won, not when people are silenced.”
The PDP, which governed the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in alliance with the BJP from 2015 until 2018, has been on the political margins since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The party has consistently opposed the move, demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards. Mehbooba’s remarks come at a time when the political process in Jammu and Kashmir remains limited, with no elected government in place and uncertainty over assembly elections.
