Mufti Urges Peace Over Provocation: Invokes Vajpayee Doctrine, Demands Relief for Border Victims
Srinagar, May 20: In a strong and emotional appeal for peace, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called upon the Government of India to revive the spirit of the “Vajpayee doctrine,” asserting that war is not just an impractical solution, but should not even be considered a last resort. She urged both the Centre and the international community to prioritize humanitarian approaches and meaningful dialogue over militaristic posturing.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti stressed the need for comprehensive rehabilitation of communities residing along the Line of Control (LoC), many of whom have been devastated by recurring cross-border shelling. “These areas must be declared war-impacted zones so that rehabilitation measures can be initiated immediately and comprehensively. Compensation of at least ₹50 lakh should be provided for homes reduced to rubble. It takes a lifetime of effort to build a house,” she said.
Mufti painted a grim picture of the ground realities, stating that many families have been rendered homeless and are now surviving under the open sky, deprived of basic shelter and dignity. “This is not just about property loss. These are lives shattered and dreams destroyed. War has not brought solutions—only body bags on both sides of the border. The people have paid a very heavy price,” she lamented.
Reiterating her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision, the PDP chief said the party was born out of a mission to break the endless cycle of bloodshed in Jammu and Kashmir. “We must revisit the approach of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who advocated resolving the Kashmir issue within the framework of ‘Insaniyat’ (humanity). His policy is more relevant today than ever before,” she asserted.
Mufti also spoke on the socio-economic fallout of the escalated hostilities between India and Pakistan. “Whether it was the Pahalgam attack or continued shelling in frontier regions, the outcome has been sheer agony. Those behind the attacks roam free, while innocent civilians pay with their lives,” she said, demanding that the Government of India recognize civilians killed in cross-LoC shelling as martyrs and ensure that their families receive jobs and due respect.
Highlighting the dire state of affected residents, Mufti urged the government to provide relief not just in words but in action. “Shopkeepers and entrepreneurs whose establishments were damaged are struggling to claim insurance, as banks are rejecting their cases. People who took loans to construct homes or run small businesses are now financially paralyzed. These loans must be waived off,” she demanded.
She expressed particular concern for the Mendhar and Poonch sectors, where no official assessment of the damage has been conducted. “There are areas like the one near Brigade Headquarters in Mendhar where the extent of damage is enormous, yet no government representative has shown up. Is this the value we assign to our citizens?” she asked.
Mufti further underlined the shocking inadequacy of medical infrastructure in Poonch, noting the absence of trauma centers and ventilator-equipped ambulances. “Lives are being lost due to delayed or insufficient medical response. Poonch urgently needs a boost in its healthcare facilities,” she stressed.
Striking an emotional chord, she decried the fact that in the 21st century, people are pleading for individual bunkers instead of better living conditions. “Imagine the fear that compels people to ask for bunkers rather than roads, schools, or hospitals. This fear has become a daily reality for them,” she said, urging the government to end this cycle of anxiety and take concrete steps to safeguard and dignify the lives of those living under constant threat.
“The Government must act—not merely to manage damage but to prevent it. Real governance means saving lives, not headlines. The time has come to embrace humanity over hostility,” she concluded.
