Mehbooba backs dialogue, welcomes RSS leader’s remarks
Srinagar, May 13 (KINS): Peoples Democratic Party president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday welcomed RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s remarks favouring dialogue with Pakistan, saying talks were necessary for lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mehbooba said the PDP had always maintained that dialogue was the only way forward.
“There is no way without it (dialogue). You have seen that a small country like Iran and on the other hand, America, such a big superpower, and Israel, how many attacks they have done on Iran and now they want to resolve the issue through dialogue… So, I think there is no other way. If we want to stay united and progress, then we have to do it,” she said.
Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she added:
“..Even former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that friends can be changed, but neighbours cannot.”
Mehbooba also alleged that an “atmosphere of oppression” existed in Jammu and Kashmir and claimed people were facing arrests, surveillance and legal action.
On the liquor licence issue, she countered National Conference allegations by saying the PDP lacked the majority required to implement prohibition during its tenure and accused previous governments of depending on liquor revenue instead of strengthening the power sector.(KINS)
