Srinagar, Dec 25: Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party, stressed the importance of visionary leadership similar to that of Atal Bihari Vajpayee to help guide Jammu and Kashmir out of years of conflict and uncertainty. She made these remarks while commemorating Vajpayee on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary.
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Mehbooba praised Vajpayee as a visionary leader who rose above ideological differences to address India’s most intricate challenges, especially those related to Jammu and Kashmir. In her statement, she referred to Vajpayee’s time as Prime Minister as a golden era for the region, where his principles of humanity (Insaniyat), democracy (Jamhuriyat), and Kashmiryat (Kashmiri Sentiment) were instrumental in addressing the problems faced there.
“Vajpayee Ji transcended partisan politics to extend a hand of friendship towards Pakistan, despite significant hostility. His conviction that ‘neighbours cannot be changed, but relations can be reimagined’ exemplified his visionary statesmanship,” Mehbooba noted. She emphasized how Vajpayee’s initiatives towards Pakistan, including the landmark Lahore bus journey in 1999 and subsequent peace efforts, laid the foundation for trust and conflict de-escalation in the subcontinent. “His courageous pursuit of dialogue, even following the Kargil War and various terrorist incidents, underscored his steadfast commitment to peace,” she added.
Mehbooba acknowledged Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s influence in encouraging Vajpayee to embrace bold strategies that ushered in a new era of hope for the region. She recalled how Vajpayee, with insights from Sayeed, promoted connections between people across the Line of Control (LoC), initiated a ceasefire, and prioritized reconciliation as the path forward.
“Vajpayee Ji’s philosophy echoed the pragmatic yet compassionate vision of previous leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. He aimed to mend divisions, build trust, and create opportunities for dialogue. His policies illuminated a path of hope for Jammu and Kashmir, illustrating how empathetic and forward-thinking leadership can inspire transformative change,” Mehbooba stated.
She further emphasized the urgent need for similar leadership today to liberate the people of Jammu and Kashmir from decades of violence and turmoil. “We require leaders who can rise above divisive agendas, instill confidence, and foster unity not only within the region but throughout the subcontinent. Vajpayee Ji’s legacy serves as a reminder that Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to become a bridge for peace rather than a battleground for conflict,” the PDP President concluded.
The former Chief Minister reiterated her father’s significant role in fostering a narrative of reconciliation during Vajpayee’s administration, exemplifying how collaboration and vision can alleviate even the most formidable challenges. (Agencies)
