Let Jammu and Kashmir be gateway to Central Asia, rival China: Mehbooba Mufti

JAMMU: J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti suggested that India should make J&K a gateway to central Asia and open all old routes in the state, which would be India’s answer to China Pakistan Economic Corridor and bring ultimate ‘Azadi’ for people of the state.

The issue of J&K, Mufti said was an idea that cannot be killed or jailed, but replaced with alternate idea within the constitution of state and the country.

“China has made Economic corridor in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Let us open all old routes. Let India make J&K gateway to central Asia. We can also reach central Asia via Kargil,” said Mufti, adding, “Why can’t we do this. What would be the bigger freedom than this?”

The chief minister was addressing legislative council in winter capital Jammu, during which the summer political uprising in Valley and resolution of Kashmir issue dominated the speech.

“If somebody talks about Azadi or joining Pakistan, we have to give an alternate idea. Constitution of India and J&K constitution can fulfill the dreams of Azadi,” said Mufti.

The history and geography with Pakistan, Mufti said cannot be changed, thus New Delhi has to provide remedy for this issue on the lines of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

“We have to remind Pakistan of Lahore declaration. General Musharraf had agreed on certain issues and it had positive impact on ground, militancy declined,” said Mufti, who is also president of PDP.

“We have no option but to follow Vajpayeeji,” said Mufti. For the chief minister, only New Delhi was capable of addressing the external dimension of Kashmir issue.

She referred to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s proposal to mutually use resources on both sides of the Line of Control. “He proposed that if this side of Kashmir has water, the other wise can use it and we can use their gas.”

On the special status of the state, the chief minister said that article 370 was not only about securing special status of the state but preserving its soul which lies in brotherhood, individuality, culture and character.

“Something has happened to Kashmir. Jammu proved to be the savior of article 370. I am happy to hear, Azaan, Bhajan and Kirtan every morning in Jammu,” she said.

Taking dig at Hurriyat leaders, she said that the settlement of Kashmiri Pandits in Valley, can never change demography of the state.

“How can Pandits change demography? They are from the state. This conclusion is not Kashmiriyat. This may be so in Afghanistan, Syria or Iraq, not here,” Mufti said.