Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday (May 17, 2026) welcomed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s call for dialogue between India and Pakistan.
“Pakistan must respond positively to outreach efforts. In the past, attempts were made by India to engage with Pakistan, but the response from the other side was not appropriate,” she said in Srinagar.
Underlining that the “solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution”, Ms. Mufti said, “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity.”
Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resume talks with Pakistan, she said, “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.”
“The message of peace spoken about by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through confidence-building measures,” she said.
Ms. Mufti said her roadmap for Kashmir is based on opening doors with all neighbouring regions and countries through dialogue, trade and travel. “The objective was never to seek the handover of Kashmir, push for a referendum, or pursue any anti-India agenda. Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours, greater connectivity, people-to-people contact and economic engagement,” she said.
The former Chief Minister said the focus should be on creating opportunities for trade, easing travel and building bridges across the region instead of deepening divisions. “We want freedom of trade and travel,” she said, adding that peace and engagement are the only sustainable paths forward for Kashmir and South Asia.
Ms. Mufti said the atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and that the youth deserve dignity and hope. “Hate must end,” she said.
She demanded the release of detainees ahead of Id. “Freeing prisoners would be the first real confidence-building measure and would send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir,” she added.
Published - May 17, 2026 06:03 pm IST
Jammu and Kashmir / India-Pakistan
Source: The Hindu - India News
