Kashmiris have shown they reject bloodshed: Mufti

Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 5: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said that in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the people of Kashmir have shown they “reject bloodshed.”

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Speaking to reporters in Pahalgam, Mufti said that the people of the area have always upheld communal harmony, even when “militancy was at its peak and guns were roaring.”
“Kashmiris have protested against the incident, condemned it, and shown that they do not support bloodshed. They stand with the country in this time of grief,” she said.
She added, “The Government must act against those responsible for the attack, not against innocent civilians who have nothing to do with it.”
PDP chief said that the Government must respond with fairness, not suspicion, especially, she said, since Kashmiris have united in condemning the Pahalgam terror attack.
Despite the hardships, Mufti said, the people of Pahalgam-especially those associated with tourism-have always taken care of both tourists and pilgrims.
She said the recent incident has hit them the hardest.
“They were shocked and distressed because they witnessed it with their own eyes. Pahalgam has always safeguarded communal harmony, even when militancy was at its peak. They kept the yatra going, carrying pilgrims on horses and even on their shoulders,” she said.
Criticising the Government for “closing” tourist destinations in Pahalgam, the former Chief Minister said that while tourists are showing courage by coming to Kashmir, they find key attractions shut.
“Tourists are coming, but Pahalgam is closed-so are Aru and Chandanwari. If people are showing courage by visiting despite the incident, and you have closed everything, then you might as well say you don’t want anyone to come to Kashmir,” she said.
She stressed the need to beef up security at these sites rather than “shut” them down, allowing tourists-who come from distant parts of the country-to visit safely.
Mufti also demanded economic relief for those in the tourism sector, recalling a package announced by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000.
“Vajpayee had announced a relief package for pony walas in Pahalgam. With the yatra approaching, those associated with tourism should be supported. At the very least, they should be granted relief from loan interest this year,” she urged Home Minister Amit Shah.
The PDP president noted that while Kashmiris have taken a step forward in promoting peace, the Government should also reciprocate and “eradicate the distance.”
During her visit, she met tourists and inquired about preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, calling their presence in Pahalgam a “powerful message of healing.”
“Visited Pahalgam today to speak with the locals and ensure preparations are in place for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra. Had an unexpected and heartwarming encounter with a group of tourists from Bombay. They greeted me with warm smiles and even gifted me a beautiful box of mangoes, a gesture that touched me deeply,” former Chief Minister wrote on ‘X’.
The post added: “But what moved me most was the look in their eyes not a trace of fear, only joy, peace, and a quiet confidence. In a place that recently saw a gruesome attack, their presence felt like a silent yet powerful message of healing. I salute their courage, and more importantly, their trust, trust in Kashmir, in its people.

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