Urges India, Pakistan to De-escalate: “Choose Peace Over War”
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD):In a deeply emotional press conference on Friday, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti broke down in tears as she appealed to both India and Pakistan to immediately halt hostilities and return to the path of dialogue.
Visibly shaken by the rising toll on civilians in border areas, Mehbooba asked, “What wrong have these innocent children done? Why are minors being killed in this crossfire?”
Calling the casualties along the Line of Control “heart-wrenching,” she urged both nations to act with restraint and wisdom. “We must de-escalate immediately. Violence is not the answer—compassion is. Dialogue is the only way forward.”
Warning of larger consequences, she said, “What starts in Pulwama or Pahalgam doesn’t stay there. If this continues, it could spiral into a global crisis. After Pulwama, we saw what unfolded. Today, following the Pahalgam attack, we again stand dangerously close to the edge.”
She questioned the military claims made by both sides: “If Pakistan says it hit a brigade HQ and India claims to have neutralized terror hubs—what did the children do to deserve death?”
“The real suffering,” she added, “is borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, caught between two warring powers. And if nuclear weapons are ever used, who will survive to declare victory?”
Ending with a powerful plea, Mehbooba said, “I beg both countries—please stop. Let us live in peace. Jeeyo aur jeene do (Live and let live). War only deepens wounds. It never heals them.” (DD)
