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India can become ‘Vishwaguru’ only by resolving J&K issue: Mehbooba Mufti

The PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti stated on Thursday that while India may become the “Vishwaguru” (global leader) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aspirations due to its strength, democracy, and secularism but the path to getting there only passes through Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba was speaking at a gathering in Sher-e-Kashmir Park to mark the 23rd anniversary of the founding of her party. She said that until we resolve the Kashmir issue, it will continue to be a thorn in the side. The SAARC, not the G-7, G-20, or Quad, is the path to become a “Vishwaguru,” she said. Mehbooba advocated for bettering ties with the neighbours, notably Pakistan.

She complained that only within J&K, there is an army of 10 lakh personnel. The lives of people of J&K have become terrible. How can J&K cease to be a battleground (between India and Pakistan) until we heal our relations with Pakistan and talk to them, she asked. The PDP leader, who frequently draws criticism for her comments regarding engagement with Pakistan, said she will keep bringing up the neighbouring nation as long as the 10 lakh army forces continue to remain in J&K and as long as J&K continues to be a battleground between our country and Pakistan.

Mehbooba suggested that Modi hold a meeting of the SAARC to demonstrate India’s leadership in the Sri Lankan issue. In order to give the impression that India is their leader and fulfil the duty of a “Vishwaguru,” we should have summoned a conference of the SAARC.

Pakistan is also experiencing a crisis. Even if we treat it as an enemy, but if we treat them nicely, they may turn into friends. How can we become “Vishwaguru”, if we can’t become the SAARC’s guru, she asked. The settlement of the J&K issue, which has existed since the country’s first PM Jawahar Lal Nehru until today, is the largest task that Modi faces, according to Mehbooba.

She asked that how many mosques are they going to destroy to build temples and how many Muslim homes do they intend to destroy. They won’t be remembered for long for renaming roads or cities, as these are unimportant details. She asked that what distinguishes them from the invaders who came here to demolish temples in order to construct mosques. Mehbooba added that if Modi can settle the J&K conflict then he would be remembered in history.