Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday welcomed India and Pakistan’s decision to open the Kartarpur corridor and demanded similar Kashmir-specific measures.
“Instead of bloodshed and attempts to enforce the silence of the graveyard, Kashmir can be resolved through Kartarpur- like initiatives. The decision taken by Pakistan is appreciable. Bold, honest and humanitarian initiatives are needed to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir problem too,” said Ms. Mufti. She said, while the Kartarpur corridor was opened on a day when so many human lives were taken by terrorism in Mumbai in 2008, the decision “exhibited statesmanship despite the ongoing electoral exercise.”
“It has given us an idea that electoral considerations cannot any longer hold back the governments from taking decisions that are aimed to improve the ties between two countries,” she said.
She sought a similar corridor to the Sharda shrine in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Former chief minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said, “The invitation from Pakistan to Indian leaders and legislators on the opening ceremony of Kartarpur corridor will bequeath both India and Pakistan a chance to further the cause of brotherhood and amity.”
He said J&K also requires such initiatives of opening up of borders and greater people-to-people contact across the border. “We in J&K suffer immensely due to the animosity between India and Pakistan. The need of the hour calls for replicating such initiatives as opening of Kartarpur corridor in our State,” he said.
