CM Mehbooba says, only Modi can solve Kashmir issue

Jammu: Asserting that she will be criticised for the statement but the truth is that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can solve the prevailing crisis in the Kashmir Valley. "Mr Modi has a huge mandate and the nation will support his decision on it, so I am saying again that only Mr Modi can bring solution to the Kashmir problem," she said while addressing the gathering at a function here this morning. "I know I will be criticised, but if anyone can solve Kashmir issue it is Mr Modi,’’ she added. On Mr Modi’s surprise visit to the Lahore in December 2015 on his way back from Afghanistan, the CM said, "it is a sign of the strength that the PM visited Lahore in just an hour and it is not a weakness."

She however, said there is anger among the people of Kashmir as the previous Government at the Centre failed to initiate such steps, adding, "the lava was simmering and surfaced in 2008 and 2010 and now it is what we are seeing and paying the price." The successive Government did not carry forward the path breaking initiatives taken by the Late CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed be it ceasefire, cross-LoC bus service or dialogue with separatists, she added. Ms Mufti however, said the former PM (Dr Manmohan Singh) also had desire to visit Pakistan but could not do it as he lacked the strength. She also advocated for Vajpayee doctrine to normalise the prevailing Kashmir situation. (UNI)