Amid tension on borders, Mehbooba meets Modi

Amid heightened tension on borders due to continuous ceasefire violations, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday and urged him to de-escalate the situation.

Mehbooba, who is under mounting attack in the face of spurt in violence in Kashmir, briefed Modi on the prevailing situation in the state and the way forward. An official spokesperson said, the Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister that the people of Jammu & Kashmir have been suffering immensely due to a precarious situation for the past so many decades.

She also brought to his notice the recent spurt in violence along the borders, which has forced thousands of people to abandon their homes, hearths and daily routine, he said. Mehbooba told the Prime Minister that the need of the hour was to de-escalate this situation adopt the path of reconciliation, as envisioned in the 'Agenda of Alliance' between PDP-BJP coalition government in J&K, so that a durable peace is ensured in the State and the subcontinent.

The PDP and the BJP are not on the same page on several issues, including dealing with the growing trend of stone-pelting, talks with separatists and Pakistan. The renewed violence has also strained relations between the two parties.

Mehbooba also discussed with Modi the execution of Rs 1 lakh-crore Prime Minister's Development Package in the State, he added.