Srinagar, May 15, 2026 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that sustained dialogue between India and Pakistan remains the only viable path towards ensuring long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mufti welcomed recent remarks made by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale advocating engagement with Pakistan and said the statement echoed the long-standing position of the PDP and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
“If we want to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and maintain peace, the dialogue process with Pakistan must continue. There is no other way,” Mehbooba Mufti said.
Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s well-known remark that “you can change your friends, but not your neighbours,” Mufti said it was encouraging that even the RSS leadership had spoken in favour of dialogue.
Drawing parallels with international conflicts, she said that negotiations eventually become unavoidable even among powerful nations.
“Despite tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel, talks become necessary. If we want peace and progress, dialogue is essential,” she stated.
Mufti further said that previous peace initiatives between India and Pakistan during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh had positively impacted the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There was less militancy and fewer atrocities during that period,” she claimed.
The PDP chief also criticised the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging an atmosphere of “suffocation” and excessive surveillance.
She alleged that government employees, particularly Kashmiri Muslims, were being dismissed on allegations of anti-national activities and claimed that houses were being bulldozed and institutions targeted under similar grounds.
Referring to the ongoing anti-drug campaign and demolition drives, Mufti questioned the destruction of homes belonging to accused drug peddlers.
“A drug peddler can be arrested and jailed, but why should entire homes be demolished?” she asked.
On criticism by the National Conference regarding the issuance of liquor licences during the PDP government’s tenure, Mufti said the party lacked sufficient legislative strength at the time to implement stricter policies.
“Today, the National Conference has around 50 MLAs. Had we enjoyed such a majority, perhaps we could have taken stronger steps,” she added.
