Srinagar, Sept 28: True to the colors that Kashmiri politicians show towards the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today pitched for amicable relations between India and Pakistan to fight the poverty and economic deprivation plaguing the region while underlining the need of a bilateral dialogue to resolve the issues.
“The two nuclear armed neighbors must cooperate in the fields of social development, including eradication of poverty and with their growing economies and energy needs, and the need for newer, more diverse markets and trading opportunities, the future of the troubled region has to be defined by common economic interests instead of hostilities,” the Chief Minister, keeping hostile Pakistan at par with India, addressing an impressive function organized at SKICC here today in connection with the launch of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) at SKICC here.
“Instead of fighting wars with each other, the two countries should join hands to eradicate poverty and to address social problems plaguing the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Pakistan with this message on behalf of people of J&K but the Pathankote incident shattered that process,” she advised.
Reacting to the reports that the Centre is in the process of reviewing the Indus Water Treaty, the Chief Minister said the agreement, while being beneficial to India and Pakistan, is not in the interest of Jammu and Kashmir. “However, if the two countries can mutually share the water resources, why not their other resources?” she said.
The Chief Minister also expressed dismay over the non-participation of various leaders in the region in the upcoming SAARC summit in Islamabad. “It is unfortunate that while other countries are forging new economic ties, the SAARC countries are going in the reverse direction,” she said.
Interestingly, Chief Minister vouched for friendship with Pakistan in the presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, Dy CM, Dr Nirmal Singh, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, MPs, Members of the State Council of Ministers and Legislators who all digested the CM's word of advice.
“In times of war, Mufti Sahab urged India and Pakistan to get involved in talks and start a process of reconciliation. In 2002, we formed the government with Congress when NDA was ruling at the Centre. Atal Ji (Bihari Vajpayee) understood Mufti Sahab's point of view and started CBMs which ushered the state in a new era of peace and prosperity,” she added.
The Chief Minister said her Peoples Democratic Party, of which she is the president, entered into the alliance with the BJP to take forward the mission of restoration of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “If the Centre walks one step towards the people of Kashmir, they will respond with 10 steps which is what made Atalji one of the most popular Indian leader among Kashmiris,” she said.
