Dialogue with Pak must if we want to end bloodshed: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said she may be dubbed ‘anti-national’ for suggesting talks but it did not matter

india Updated: Feb 12, 2018 16:23 IST
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti speaks in the legislative council during the budget of the state Assembly, in Jammu on Friday.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti speaks in the legislative council during the budget of the state Assembly, in Jammu on Friday. (PTI File Photo)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for India-Pakistan talks, quickly adding that she will be dubbed “anti-national” by TV channels for making the appeal.

“Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed (in the state),” Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.

“I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn’t matter. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option.”

The chief minister’s appeal comes amid a spurt in militant violence in the state as well as unending border clashes between Indian and Pakistani militaries.

Two attacks in past few days have targeted soldiers and their families in Jammu and Kashmir.

Saturday’s attack on a camp in Sunjuwan, near Jammu, was the worst in months, with five soldiers and the father of one of the soldiers killed and women and children among the 10 wounded.

On Monday , an attack on a security camp in Karan Nagar was foiled but one jawan lost his life in the attack.