Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday renewed her appeal for dialogue between India and Pakistan, citing recent remarks by senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Dattatreya Hosabale. Hosabale had said that India should keep the door open for talks with the neighbouring country.
Mufti's call for comprehensive dialogue
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Mufti stated that a senior RSS leader recently advocated for talks with Pakistan. She emphasized that dialogue and discussions should take place, and routes should be reopened, but the process should begin with Kashmir. She urged the government to engage both Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also called on the Centre to remove military presence from civilian areas and send the army back to the barracks. She demanded the abolition of laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
Reopening routes and healing wounds
Mufti suggested that the Centre reopen routes to Central Asia to allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir greater freedom. She argued that if the government believes the situation has improved, it should work towards healing the people's pain. She added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi now has an opportunity to address the issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Her remarks came days after Hosabale, the second-in-command in the RSS after chief Mohan Bhagwat, sparked a political debate by advocating dialogue with Pakistan. The RSS is the ideological mentor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Hosabale's stance on Pakistan
Speaking to PTI on May 12, Hosabale described Pakistan as a “pinprick” but said India should keep the door open for dialogue. He stated that if Pakistan tries to engineer incidents such as Pulwama, India must respond appropriately based on the situation, as the security and self-respect of the nation must be protected. However, he emphasized that the government should not shut the doors completely and should always remain open to dialogue.
He added that diplomatic ties, trade, commerce, and visa issuance should continue, as there should always be a window for dialogue.
Recent military conflict and ceasefire
Last year, the two countries engaged in a four-day military conflict triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The hostilities ended after Islamabad requested a ceasefire with New Delhi on May 10, which was subsequently accepted. The government has repeatedly maintained that Operation Sindoor, launched as India’s response to the Pahalgam attack, has only been paused.
