Srinagar: Addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, Mehbooba Mufti said Delhi will have to listen to the voice of Kashmiris. Stressing that the solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the Constitution, she said, “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity.”
Mufti said Pakistan must also respond positively to India’s outreach efforts. Referring to the Prime Minister’s past attempts to engage with Pakistan, she said efforts were made to open dialogue and improve ties, but “the response from the other side was not appropriate.”
Appealing directly to the Prime Minister, she said development alone is not enough. “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.
She further said the atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and that the youth deserve dignity and hope. “Hate must end,” she said, adding that the message of peace spoken about by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through confidence-building measures.
Calling for the release of detainees ahead of Eid, Mufti said 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.
