Modi alone can solve problems plaguing Kashmir: Mehbooba

JAMMU: Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can resolve the problems plaguing Kashmir, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday, as her government struggled to keep a lid on increasing violence in the Valley.

Amid speculation of the Centre dismissing her administration and imposing Governor’s Rule in the state, Mehbooba threw her weight behind Modi and praised the Prime Minister for his surprise Christmas visit to Lahore two years ago.

“The Prime Minister of our country was given a very strong mandate by the people. I am saying it again and I may be criticised for it but if there is someone who can find a solution to the problems of J&K, it is shri Narendra Modi ji and none else,” she told a gathering after inaugurating a flyover in Jammu. “If J&K has to be bailed out of this quagmire of violence and unrest, it is only Modi ji who can help.”

A series of viral videos showing alleged human rights excesses have ratcheted up the temperature in the Valley as hundreds of people have clashed with police. Nearly 100 people died in similar clashes last year.

Mehbooba met Modi in Delhi last month after the unending cycle of violence, stone-pelting and spike in attacks became a cause of “grave concern” for the Centre. The state government has been criticised for slow response to the growing local anger and many leaders of the ruling PDP have expressed apprehension about a fast-eroding popular base because of the BJP tie-up. But on Saturday, the 57-year-old CM backed Modi and said whatever he decided (on Kashmir), the country would support him.

“And, perhaps it was this courage and conviction of the PM that within an hour he went to Lahore and met Pakistani PM (Nawaz Sharif). His visit was a sign of courage and not weakness,” she said.