Joining hands with BJP was suicidal: Mehbooba

MUMBAI: Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to rise to the occasion, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and president of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) Mehbooba Mufti said collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the 2014 assembly polls was “a suicide”.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai Friday, Mufti said Delhi needs to move past its belief that there was a proxy war in Kashmir and understand the youth’s aspirations. She also urged the Centre to open Kashmir’s borders with neighbouring countries and allow the state to be a part of China-pakistan Economic Corridor.

“India is never an issue during elections in Pakistan, but Pakistan is an issue during elections in India. That is the mistake. SAARC countries are being held hostage to the animosity between India and Pakistan. All SAARC countries should come together and make Kashmir a model of co-operation,” Mufti said.

Commenting on a possible alliance with the Congress and the National Conference, Mufti said it was the need of the hour. “We leaders have met two times, but it is too early to comment.”

She said the land of Kashmir is an inseparable part of India, but India must make the people of Kashmir feel they are an inseparable part of India.

Referring to Kashmiri pandits as great teachers, Mufti said she hopes those displaced are able to return to Kashmir respectfully.