Open Silk Route, engage with other countries to boost jobs: Mehbooba

Kulgam, Apr 9: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said that Pakistan played an important role in the Iran–Israel–US ceasefire, helping bring the conflict to a halt in a short time.
Speaking at a party convention at Kulgam Mini Stadium, Mehbooba said that the ceasefire remains fragile. “The ceasefire is like ice, it can break at any moment. It is difficult for many of us to even mention Pakistan, but it played a crucial role in securing a ceasefire between Iran and the US, helping prevent large-scale devastation. However, I am uncertain how long this ceasefire will hold, as Israel may take actions that could disrupt peace,” she said.
The PDP President also advocated reopening traditional trade routes. “Open up the Silk Route. Engage in dialogue with China, Pakistan and Iran, and it can function like the Strait of Hormuz,” she said, adding that such a move would create employment opportunities for the youth.
Taking a dig at the National Conference, she said that despite having 50 seats in the Assembly, Omar Abdullah is “under BJP.” She added, “Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had only a few seats, yet he made the entire Government of India listen to us.”
Launching a sharp attack on the NC, she said that before elections, the party had promised 200 units of free electricity but instead handed over two more power projects to NHPC.
“When I became an MLA for the first time, there was a Farooq Abdullah government, and at that time, seven power projects were handed over to NHPC. Today, we are in darkness and have to purchase electricity, while our power is supplied free to the rest of the country. Now, two more projects have been given to NHPC by Omar Abdullah. I formed a government with the BJP but never handed over power projects to them. Despite having 50 MLAs, they still did so,” she said.
She further said that the National Conference has failed to ensure the return of prisoners lodged outside J&K. “We had once asked them to send a delegation. We can only guide them, but the present government has to act,” she added. (KNO)