Srinagar: Asking people to give her government a chance to restore peace, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti says ;She won’t let the heads of people go down’. Admitting that 2016 unrest has weakened her position in Delhi she says ‘otherwise I had planned to press Government of India for initiating dialogue and measures demanding resolution of issues’.
Without naming any separatist leader, she says “They (members of All Party Delegation) reached at their (separatist) doors. The atmosphere was not conducive so nobody could talk. Otherwise, I had also extended invitations to all of them.”
Chief Minister repeatedly says ‘stones, pellets, bombs, bofors would yield nothing. We witnessed 2008, 2010 and 2016 unrest. What we have achieved, nothing but only confusion and chaos. I think of a street vendor who came to me, seeking permission to sell goods at pavements. What he would be doing now a days. How he would be feeding his family”.
Reiterating her commitment to address issues of concern Mehbooba Says “When I won the elections, I was determined to press Delhi to initiative dialogue and fulfill the economic and political aspirations of the people of J&K. 2016 unrest weakened my position in Delhi. When there are stones and bullets, to whom Delhi would talk to” Claiming that government has been working for the welfare of people, she says “despite unrest, you are witness that government supplied electricity, water and ration to the people. You (People) yourself closed schools and shops, how could I have helped you out”.
“Give me conducive atmosphere and I promise for opening of all dialogue channels with everyone. Help me in restoring peace in the valley and I promise you that I will not let their heads go down. I promise to fulfill your all economic and political aspirations,” she tells people.
“During the unrest, the well off people have sent their children to Delhi and those who could afford lesser have sent their wards to Jammu. It is only children of poor who have suffered in this unrest,” she laments. On the anniversary function of Mahatma Gandhi she said “the biggest tribute to Gandhiji would be “if we could stop the violence and initiate dialogue to resolve issues through negotiations.”
KNS / KASHMIR MAGAZINE / KASHMIR TODAY