Mehbooba wants Pakistan to respond “positively” after Hosabale called for talks

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti addresses a gathering during a workers’ convention in Srinagar district on May 17, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday (May 17, 2026) welcomed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s call for dialogue between India and Pakistan.

“Pakistan must respond positively to information efforts. In the past, India has tried to engage with Pakistan, but the response from the other side has not been adequate,” she said in Srinagar.

Emphasizing that “the solution to Kashmir lies in dialogue and within the framework of the constitution”, Ms Mufti said: “We believe in engagement and talks. We seek peace with dignity.”

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resume talks with Pakistan, she said, “The development is good, but talks can make you a statesman for peace in the region and South Asia. Peace in Kashmir can show the way forward.”

“The message of peace spoken by RSS leaders should also be reflected on the ground through confidence building measures,” she said.

Ms Mufti said her plan for Kashmir is based on opening doors to all neighboring regions and countries through dialogue, trade and travel. “The aim was never to seek handover of Kashmir, to push for a referendum or to push any anti-India agenda. Our plan is to open the gates of Kashmir with all neighbours, greater connectivity, people-to-people contacts and economic engagement,” she said.

The former chief minister said instead of widening differences, the focus should be on creating opportunities for trade, ease of travel and building bridges across the region. “We want freedom of trade and travel,” she said, adding that peace and engagement are the only sustainable way forward for Kashmir and South Asia.

Ms. Mufti said that the atmosphere of silence and fear in Kashmir must end and that the youth deserve dignity and hope. “The hate has to stop,” she said.

She demanded the release of those detained before Id. “Releasing the prisoners would be the first real confidence-building measure and would send a strong message of reconciliation and healing to the people of Kashmir,” she added.

Published – 17 May 2026 18:03 IST