Mehbooba Mufti Urges PM Modi to End Militarized Approach, Seek Reconciliation in Jammu & Kashmir
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 28 July 2025
‘J&K Is a Political Issue, Not a Security Threat’
Marking the 26th Foundation Day of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti made a passionate plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “End the militarized narrative. Start the process of political reconciliation.”
Speaking at a public event attended by party workers and civil society members, Mufti warned that continued securitization of Kashmir will only deepen alienation. Instead, she urged the government to treat the region as a political and humanitarian concern, deserving empathy and constructive dialogue.
“How many more battalions will you send? How many more laws will you impose? What has the decades-long crackdown achieved—except resentment?” she asked.
Key Highlights from Mehbooba Mufti’s Address
01. Dialogue, Not Detention
Mufti underscored that dialogue is the only lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict. She called for a revival of political engagement, the restoration of democratic institutions, and an end to suppressive laws like the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and the PSA (Public Safety Act).
“You cannot bulldoze your way to peace. You must listen, engage, and reconcile.”
02. Critique of Militarization
The former CM criticized the Centre’s overreliance on security forces to manage civil issues in J&K.
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Over-deployment of troops
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Raids and arrests without trial
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Surveillance-heavy governance
“J&K is not a battleground. It is home to millions of citizens whose pain must be heard—not policed.”
03. Socio-Economic Reality: Schools vs Security Camps
Mufti painted a stark contrast between the lavish spending on militarization and the grim state of public services in the region.
“Children study in tin sheds while bunkers sprout overnight. Where are the priorities?”
She called for urgent investment in health, education, and jobs, instead of “building a garrison state”.
04. Foreign Policy Through Kashmir’s Lens
Mufti argued that India’s global image and diplomatic credibility hinge on how it treats its own citizens in Kashmir.
“What is India’s foreign policy worth if it fails to win the trust of its own people? J&K should be the beating heart of India’s regional diplomacy—not its Achilles’ heel.”
She urged India to act as the “elder brother in South Asia”, promoting peace at home as a prerequisite to asserting global leadership.
“We Are Not Enemies—We Are Citizens”
In one of the most emotionally charged moments of her address, Mehbooba Mufti reminded the nation of the shared humanity of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
“We are not your enemies. We are citizens. We don’t seek separation—we seek inclusion, dignity, and justice.”
She called on the Prime Minister to use his historic electoral mandate to reshape Kashmir’s future through compassion and courage.
Justifying Past Alliance with BJP
Mufti also addressed criticism over PDP’s past alliance with the BJP, clarifying that it was a “peace initiative”, not a political compromise.
“We partnered with the BJP to build a bridge between Kashmir and the rest of India. That opportunity was lost when suppression replaced statesmanship.”
She reaffirmed PDP’s commitment to:
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Civil rights
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Democratic institutions
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Peaceful engagement with all stakeholders, including Pakistan
Her Message to Prime Minister Modi: Rewrite the Narrative
“With the mandate of 120 crore people, you have the power to rewrite the story of Jammu & Kashmir. But that cannot be done with weapons and jails. It can only be done with dialogue, development, and dignity.”
Calling upon the Prime Minister to lead with “empathy, not ego,” she invoked India’s historic values of non-violence, diversity, and democracy.
What Comes Next?
The speech sets the tone for a potential ideological resurgence of the PDP, once politically sidelined after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Mufti’s renewed appeal for reconciliation could find resonance among:
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Disenchanted youth
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Civil society activists
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Moderate political factions seeking a middle path
Observers note that with mounting socio-economic challenges and security fatigue, calls for political dialogue are slowly regaining traction—though New Delhi remains non-committal.
Final Thoughts
Mehbooba Mufti’s speech is a sobering reflection on the state of democracy in Kashmir. At a time when political spaces have shrunk and dissent is criminalized, her message to the nation—and to the Prime Minister—was clear:
“Peace cannot be enforced. It must be built. With trust, with dialogue, and above all, with humanity.”
