J&K leaders welcome Iran-US ceasefire, call for dialogue

Srinagar, Apr 8: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, calling it a step towards de-escalation and urging sustained dialogue to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the outcome of the nearly 39-day conflict, asking what the United States had achieved.
“What exactly did this war achieve?” CM Omar said, referring to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which he noted had been operational before the conflict.
He said the ceasefire, though significant, raised questions about the costs and consequences of the confrontation.
JKNC chief, Farooq Abdullah said war was not a solution to any conflict and stressed that dialogue was the only way forward. He expressed relief over the development, saying both countries had shown the “courage to sit at the table.”
“Without conversation, there is no way forward. War has never solved any problem,” he said, adding that the global community had been impacted by the tensions.
Abdullah warned that prolonged conflict could worsen global challenges, particularly due to disruptions in energy supplies. He said people in Jammu and Kashmir were also affected, especially families dependent on remittances from those working in Gulf countries.
J&K Congress chief, Tariq Hameed Karra termed the ceasefire a “prudent and timely step” towards global stability and said the 40-day confrontation carried a message of restraint.
Drawing a historical parallel with the Battle of Khaybar, Karra said the duration of the conflict reflected “endurance, strategic patience, and clarity of purpose.”
“The message from these 40 days is unmistakable: restraint, backed by resolve, ultimately shapes the pathway to peace,” he said.
Karra urged the international community to convert the pause into a structured peace process based on dialogue.
PDP Chief, Mehbooba Mufti also welcomed the ceasefire, expressing hope that it would pave the way for long-term peace and stability in the region.
She said the truce appeared to be the result of sustained diplomatic efforts and highlighted the role of regional cooperation in de-escalating tensions.
“Dialogue and sustained diplomatic engagement remain the only viable path forward,” Mufti said, urging the international community to strengthen such peace initiatives and build on the ceasefire.
People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone welcomed the ceasefire, saying he was relieved that the war had ended and reiterating that war is not a solution to any issue, while expressing hope for lasting peace in the Middle East.
In a separate statement, chief spokesperson of AIP, Inam Un Nabi said the ceasefire was a necessary step after weeks of escalation involving missiles and drones.
“Violence is no solution. What the world has witnessed is destruction and fear,” he said, adding that the return to dialogue underscored the importance of engagement over confrontation.
He called for strengthening the ceasefire through sincere talks, saying peace could only be achieved through “conversations, patience and the will to resolve differences.”
Apni Party chief, Altaf Bukhari welcomed the Iran–US ceasefire and expressed hope that it would lead to lasting peace and stability, saying the truce was a positive step towards reducing tensions and must be strengthened through sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement. (KNO)