BJP unwilling to resolve J&K issue, keeping tensions alive: Mehbooba

Jammu, 13-02-2025: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of deliberately keeping the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) issue unresolved for political gains. Drawing a parallel between the BJP’s approach and that of Pakistan’s military establishment, she alleged that both entities benefit from the continued turmoil in Kashmir, using it as a tool to consolidate their respective influence. Speaking at the launch of her party’s membership drive in Jammu, Mehbooba termed the J&K issue as an “incurable disease” that requires healing rather than suppression. She criticized the ruling party for its lack of genuine commitment to peace, arguing that the abrogation of Article 370 has only deepened discontent among the people rather than resolving the decades-old conflict.

Mehbooba stressed that true resolution can only be achieved through a process of reconciliation and confidence-building measures, including reopening the cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade and travel routes, which were unilaterally shut down by the Centre in 2019. The suspension of these trade routes, which linked Salamabad-Uri in north Kashmir and Chakan-Da-Bagh in Poonch, was justified by the government on grounds of security concerns, citing instances of smuggling of illegal weapons, narcotics, and counterfeit currency. However, the PDP leader questioned the contradiction in the BJP’s claims. “If the Prime Minister and Home Minister are so confident that everything is normal in J&K post-2019, then why are these routes still closed? Why not restore connectivity and let people witness the so-called ‘normalcy’ they keep boasting about?” she asked.

Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s approach towards Kashmir, Mehbooba lamented that the present BJP leadership has deviated from his vision of peace and dialogue. She recalled how Vajpayee had initiated talks with Pakistan and engaged its leadership, including General Pervez Musharraf, to explore a peaceful resolution for Kashmir. “Mufti Mohammad Sayeed always believed that the BJP, being a nationalist party, could deliver peace. Vajpayee proved this by extending a hand of friendship. But today’s BJP, under Modi and Shah, is only interested in exploiting Kashmir for votes, not in addressing the aspirations of its people,” she remarked.

Condemning the revocation of Article 370, Mehbooba described it as a betrayal of the people of J&K, particularly its diverse communities, including Dogras, Kashmiris, Gujjars, Paharis, and Sikhs. She asserted that Article 370 served as a protective shield, safeguarding the region’s unique identity, land, and job opportunities. Its removal, she argued, has left the people vulnerable to exploitation and insecurity. The growing discontent, she warned, is akin to a simmering volcano that could erupt at any moment. “The government claims that J&K has been fully integrated, yet we see continuous security review meetings in Delhi. This never happened before. Their fear is evident—they know the people of J&K are not happy,” she stated.

Accusing the BJP of using the abrogation of Article 370 as a mere electoral gimmick, Mehbooba asserted that the party has turned the region’s suffering into a political spectacle, selling the move as an achievement to its voter base. She argued that instead of working towards genuine reconciliation, the ruling party is fueling divisions to maintain its grip on power. “They have weaponized our pain for their electoral gains. If they were truly confident that J&K’s problems were solved, they wouldn’t need security briefings every time tensions rise,” she added.

In her closing remarks, Mehbooba urged the people of J&K to resist political manipulation and advocate for their rights. She called for unity among different communities and political voices to push back against the central government’s narrative. Emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and people-centric policies, she reiterated that only by addressing the grievances of the people, restoring their dignity, and respecting their aspirations can lasting peace be achieved in J&K.