People Democratic Party (PDP) President and Member Parliament (MP) Mehbooba Mufti today urged India and Pakistan to resume talks for restoring last peace in the region.
Addressing party workers here today, Mehbooba expressed concern over loss of lives in border firing and the youths’ joining militant outfits in Kashmir valley. “It is a matter of concern that Kashmiri youth are opting for guns. Prime Minister should move a few steps forward and invite Nawaz Sharif for talks so that a long lasting peace is maintained in the two neighbouring nations”, she said.
“How long this bloodshed will continue? How long people living near borders will face the threat of life in firing and shelling? Why you (India and Pakistan) continue to barter bullets on the borders? I appeal to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to shed the path of war and invite each other for talks”, she said.
The PDP President said, in Pakistan, people are living in extreme ‘poverty’ whereas in India we are losing lives, every third day in ceasefire violations. “People living near borders need better hospitals, schools and better roads, but it is a matter of shame for us that even after 70 years of Independence, we are demanding construction of bunkers”, Mehbooba said.
“How many times India and Pakistan fought wars and what have they achieved in these wars. I guess nothing other than killings of poor and innocent people on both sides”, she further said.
Mehbooba further attacked news channels for presenting ‘negative’ picture of Kashmir to the world by flashing news of the waving of ISIS and Pakistan flags there.
“As far as waving ISIS and Pakistani flags in valley is concerned, I think, only a few vested interests are involved in such activities”, Mehbooba said.
The PDP President urged the central government to resolve the issues of Army veterans who are holding sit-ins in New Delhi for the last over two months, demanding One Rank One Pension (OROP).
Taking a dig at opposition parties, National Conference and Congress, she alleged that the ministers in the previous coalition government acted as Thekedaars (Contractors) and amassed huge wealth by siphoning funds received under central government schemes.
