Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 04
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called on political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to form a common platform and jointly engage with the central government on the region’s political and economic issues.
Speaking at the fifth Halla Bolle conclave in Srinagar, the former chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir could learn from Ladakh, where different political groups had united to press for demands including statehood and Sixth Schedule protection.
“We should learn a lesson from Ladakh,” Mehbooba said.
She said political parties needed to work together to raise concerns over arrests, raids, detentions and restrictions affecting institutions and young people.
Mehbooba said she had written to the heads of political parties seeking greater unity and that all except the National Conference had responded positively.
She said her appeal was driven by concern over the future of young people rather than political considerations.
“Our biggest challenge is that 60 percent of our population comprises youths,” she said, adding that political leaders needed to understand their difficulties rather than merely respond to their questions.
Mehbooba said prolonged arrests, surveillance and raids were placing additional pressure on families and could alienate younger people.
She said the younger generation had a wider worldview because of technology and that political leadership needed to adapt to changing aspirations.
The PDP leader also defended her party’s decision to form a coalition government with the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014, saying her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had sought to address the region’s problems through dialogue and improved connectivity.
She said the PDP government had pursued the peace process and helped withdraw cases against about 12,000 young people while stone-throwing remained a challenge.
Mehbooba accused the current National Conference-led government of normalising arrests, dismissals and other measures that would previously have triggered political protests.
She also warned that Jammu and Kashmir risked losing aspects of its language, culture and traditions unless its political parties worked together.
“The future of our children is at stake,” she said.
