Mehbooba Mufti demands release of Kashmiri prisoners ahead of Eid
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has urged New Delhi to release Kashmiri prisoners ahead of Eid, calling it the “first real confidence-building measure” to ease tensions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing a gathering in Srinagar, the former chief minister said Delhi must listen to the voice of Kashmiris and pursue dialogue within a political framework.
“We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity,” she said, adding that development alone cannot replace political outreach. Mehbooba said the atmosphere of silence and fear in the Valley must end immediately. “Hate must end. Freeing prisoners ahead of Eid would send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir,” she stated. She also called for opening Kashmir’s routes with all neighbours through trade and travel instead of creating new divides. “Our roadmap is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours. We want freedom of trade and travel. Greater connectivity and people-to-people contact are essential for lasting peace,” she said.
“Peace and engagement are the only sustainable path forward for Kashmir and South Asia,” she added.
