Terming the ban on civilian traffic on the national highway an “attack” on J&K’s economy and peoples’ fundamental rights, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday cautioned the government of India against “changing the relation” with Kashmir “into Israel-Palestine type confrontation”.
“This (India-Kashmir) is not Israel-Palestine relation here.If they (New Delhi) want to change this into Israel-Palestine relation thenthey should get ready for Palestine-like situation,” Mehbooba said, talking toreporters at Pantha Chowk here.
She said the ban was “another move” to suppress people ofJammu and Kashmir.
“It (the ban) is an attack on economy of the state and anattack on fundamental rights of people of the state,” said Mehbooba.
She reiterated her call that people should defy the ban.
“People should take out their vehicles and travel on thehighway. We will see what happens?” said Mehbooba.
Responding to a question that Pakistan Prime Minister ImranKhan has said that there might be a better chance of peace talks with India tosettle Kashmir issue if BJP wins the elections, Mehbooba said her father andformer chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed had been insisting on a dialoguewith Pakistan.
“This is what Mufti sahib was saying, that Prime MinisterModi of BJP who has the backing of RSS, Jangsangh and other can avail theopportunity to talking to Pakistan like Vajpayee. But he lost the opportunity.I hope if he returns he avails this opportunity,” said Mehbooba.