Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 23: Terming reconciliation as the only way forward, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said today that Jammu and Kashmir has been caught in the ongoing enmity between India and Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the family of Dr. Shahnawaz-one of seven victims killed in the recent Gagangeer attack-in Budgam, Mehbooba stated that until both countries pursue reconciliation, the people of J&K will continue to suffer.
“People of J&K have been caught between the enmities of the two countries. Their life, property has been destroyed because two countries are fighting with each other and people of J&K have become the victims,” she said.
The former Chief Minister added that incidents like the one in Gagangeer will persist until India and Pakistan come together to resolve their differences through dialogue.
“Whether it’s laborers or a doctor like Dr. Shahnawaz, who has been working for the betterment of society, they will continue due to the enmity between the two countries,” she said.
She further stated, “There is no alternative but reconciliation, as was initiated during Vajpayee’s time. Until that happens, J&K, along with the rest of the country, will continue to suffer from such incidents.”
The PDP leader chose not to comment on a recent statement by National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, in which he said that relations with Pakistan will not improve if it continues “sending killers to Kashmir.”
Mehbooba emphasized that the people of J&K want an end to the violence that has destroyed countless lives and families over the years. However, she stressed that for peace to prevail, “both nations must come to the table and engage in dialogue.”
“As long as there is hostility, the people of J&K will continue to suffer. Everyone wants to move past this; both India and Pakistan must talk.”
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