In a heartfelt and urgent appeal, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called upon India and Pakistan to exercise restraint amid escalating tensions that have followed the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. As hostilities between the two nations rise, Mufti’s message is a strong reminder of the importance of diplomacy and the high human cost of conflict.

Speaking from Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti specifically urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a conscious and strategic decision to de-escalate the situation through dialogue. She stated, “I urge the leadership of both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and I especially appeal to the Prime Minister of India to choose dialogue to end hostilities.”

Her appeal comes in the backdrop of heightened military action, particularly India’s Operation Sindoor, which involved targeted missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). While many in India have hailed the operation as a necessary retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, Mufti has taken a divergent stance that stresses peace and civilian well-being over military escalation.

Mufti emphasized that innocent civilians — including women and children — are the real victims in any conflict, regardless of which side of the border they belong to. “The tragic loss of innocent lives, including women and children on both sides, is a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of conflict,” she said.

She also warned of the irreversible consequences of continued escalation, noting that “with every passing moment of escalation, more lives hang in balance.” Her remarks reflect a growing concern among civil society, peace activists, and regional political voices that the rising hostility between India and Pakistan could spiral into something far more devastating than intended by either side.

Mehbooba Mufti's statement diverges sharply from the nationalistic rhetoric that has dominated political discourse in India in the wake of the terror attacks. While some leaders, like Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UP CM Yogi Adityanath, have issued firm warnings and celebrated India's retaliatory strikes, Mufti has chosen to highlight the long-term futility of military conflict and the potential for irreparable harm to lives and regional stability.

In her remarks, Mufti also underscored the point that a military solution is not viable, stating, “It is painfully clear that there can be no military solution, only more suffering.” Her plea aligns with a long-standing position she has maintained throughout her political career — that dialogue, not violence, is the only sustainable path forward.

This statement also reflects Mehbooba Mufti's consistent advocacy for restarting Indo-Pak dialogue, which has remained suspended for several years, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past, Mufti has been criticized by opponents for being "soft" on Pakistan, but she has remained vocal about the need for peace talks as the only pragmatic approach to resolving the decades-old Kashmir issue.

The situation on the ground remains tense, with India maintaining a high state of military preparedness, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC) and in border regions. Reports of civilian evacuations, emergency alerts, and suspension of leave for defence personnel have become common, indicating how seriously the Indian establishment views the threat of further conflict.

Meanwhile, Mufti's statement has sparked debate among political commentators and citizens alike. Some see it as a brave call for sanity in turbulent times, while others interpret it as undermining national sentiment. Regardless, her words have added a crucial layer to the ongoing national conversation about war, peace, and the future of Indo-Pak relations.

As tensions continue to simmer, Mehbooba Mufti’s appeal stands out as a call for humanity, advocating a path of reason over revenge. Whether this appeal finds a receptive audience among the decision-makers in New Delhi and Islamabad remains to be seen. However, at a time when the drums of war grow louder, her voice serves as a reminder that true leadership lies not in escalating conflict, but in preventing it.

In conclusion, Mehbooba Mufti’s message is not just a political statement — it’s a moral stance. It reflects the anguish of a region long caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalries and the unrelenting cycle of violence. Her call for dialogue, restraint, and reflection may be unpopular in a time dominated by militaristic narratives, but it may also be the most necessary.

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