Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Modi-led Indian government to review its hardline policy in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying reconciliation—not repression—is the only way to address the deepening alienation among the people.According to Kashmir Media Service, Mehbooba Mufti told reporters in Srinagar that despite New Delhi’s claims of “normalcy” after the August 05, 2019, revocation of Article 370, the ground realities in the territory reveal widespread distress and disenfranchisement.

She said Delhi’s assertions that “computers and books have replaced stones” stand contradicted by the growing frustration among Kashmiri youth.The former chief minister said her party recently organised a public dialogue with a cross-section of society to understand the challenges Kashmiris are facing under New Delhi’s repressive regime. She recalled that the involvement of some educated youth in the recent Delhi blast case had deeply shaken her “as a mother,” prompting wider discussions on why young Kashmiris feel compelled to choose “death over life.”

Mehbooba added that the dialogue series would continue across Jammu andKashmir to document public sentiment. She stressed, however, that only a meaningful process of reconciliation can restore dignity to the people of the occupied territory. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir want to live with honour and dignity. They should not be coerced through black laws like UAPA and PSA or by agencies such as the NIA,” she said, emphasising that New Delhi must initiate steps that acknowledge IIOJK’s political sensitivities and longstanding grievances.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)