Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 25: Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party and former Chief Minister, paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the anniversary of his passing, acknowledging his dedication to fostering relations with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reflecting on Vajpayee’s legacy, Mufti noted that he stood out among Prime Ministers—alongside Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi—for his effort to genuinely connect with the region’s inhabitants. “He not only spoke but also took tangible actions,” she remarked. Mufti pointed to major initiatives led by Vajpayee, including his historic bus journey to Pakistan, the resumption of dialogues following the Kargil conflict, and the peace talks initiated after the Parliament attack.
She underscored the confidence-building measures during Vajpayee’s time in office, especially while her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, served as Chief Minister. “We facilitated the release of leaders like Gilani, Yasin Malik, and Shabbir Shah from prisons. Vajpayee endorsed that approach rather than opposing it,” she stated.
Mufti further praised Vajpayee for pioneering important efforts such as engaging with the Hurriyat and Pakistan, opening cross-border routes, and promoting dialogue to address the Kashmir issue. “People in Jammu and Kashmir must be longing for him,” she expressed. She added that Mufti Sayeed’s alliance with the BJP was fueled by the hope that Vajpayee’s policies would persist under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Expressing concern over the current conditions, Mehbooba emphasized that Vajpayee’s methods instilled hope within the region. “It seemed that the BJP’s leadership at that time was committed to continuing the process initiated by Vajpayee to address Kashmir’s issues,” she remarked, noting that his compassionate approach is sorely missed not just in Jammu and Kashmir, but across the nation.
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