Srinagar, June 2: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday called for a broad-based political consensus in Jammu and Kashmir, urging leaders from across the political spectrum to jointly engage with the Central government on matters affecting the region and its people.
In separate communications addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and several prominent political and civil society representatives, Mehbooba stressed the importance of collective action at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is facing significant political and social challenges. She emphasized that a united approach would be more effective in conveying the aspirations and concerns of the people to New Delhi.
Drawing attention to recent developments in Ladakh, the former chief minister said the progress achieved through discussions between the Centre and representative groups from Leh and Kargil demonstrates the value of sustained engagement. According to her, the experience of Ladakh highlights how dialogue can serve as a constructive mechanism for resolving complex issues and building consensus.
Mehbooba proposed the formation of a common platform that would bring together political parties, community representatives, and other stakeholders to formulate a shared agenda. She argued that such an initiative would help create a stronger and more representative voice capable of advocating for the interests of Jammu and Kashmir at the national level.
In her communication to Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba noted that she had been seeking an opportunity to discuss the matter personally but decided to formally write to him due to the urgency of the situation. She maintained that the region cannot afford prolonged political uncertainty and that proactive efforts are required to address growing public concerns.
The PDP leader said the prevailing atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir calls for responsible leadership and coordinated action. She observed that many people are looking for reassurance regarding their future and expect political leaders to work together on issues that transcend party affiliations.
Calling for outreach to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mehbooba suggested that a structured and continuous dialogue process could help bridge differences and pave the way for addressing long-pending concerns. She maintained that engagement and communication remain essential tools for finding durable solutions.
Highlighting the need for cooperation, she appealed to political parties to move beyond rivalry and focus on shared objectives. According to her, the larger interests of the people should take precedence over political competition, particularly at a time when public expectations from elected representatives remain high.
The former chief minister also urged Omar Abdullah to convene a meeting involving all major stakeholders. She said such a gathering could lay the foundation for a coordinated effort and help establish a framework for future discussions with the Central government.
Mehbooba argued that divisions among regional political formations have often weakened the collective position of Jammu and Kashmir. Building consensus, she said, would strengthen democratic representation and enable leaders to present a united perspective on key issues affecting the region.
She further stated that meaningful cooperation among political groups could contribute to restoring confidence among citizens and reinforce faith in democratic institutions. According to her, collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard constitutional protections and ensure that public concerns receive adequate attention.
The outreach initiative was shared with leaders from multiple political parties and social organizations, reflecting an attempt to bring diverse voices into a common conversation. By involving representatives from different communities and ideological backgrounds, Mehbooba said the proposed platform could promote inclusivity and encourage constructive engagement.
Concluding her appeal, the PDP president expressed hope that political leaders would rise above differences and work together in the broader interest of Jammu and Kashmir. She said genuine unity and dialogue could create an opportunity to address longstanding challenges while strengthening democratic processes and public participation in the region.