Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of civilians, including twin children Ayaan and Aruba, in the recent cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan, stating that military action only treats the symptoms, not the root cause.
Addressing a press conference, Mufti grieved the loss of innocent lives, especially children caught in the violence. She recounted the tragic incident in Poonch, where the twin siblings died while playing.
“What was the fault of the children and women caught in the crossfire? These events, along with the Pahalgam terror attack, are dragging the region into catastrophe,” said Mufti.
Calling for political, not military, solutions, Mufti said past escalations—including the Balakot airstrike—have not led to lasting peace. She called on the leadership of both India and Pakistan to pursue diplomatic engagement.
“Military action never brings peace. It only suppresses symptoms temporarily. What did we achieve after Balakot? Today, a boy in Poonch was killed, his head separated. How long will border residents of Jammu and Kashmir suffer?”
Mufti emphasized that both sides appear to be settling scores, referencing India’s Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s retaliatory claims.
“India says it destroyed terrorist bases, Pakistan claims it downed our jets and hit brigade HQs. If scores are settled, what more is left? Now is the time for both sides to step back.”
She made a heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, invoking his earlier stance that “the era of war is over.” Mufti urged both Prime Ministers to pick up the phone and resolve the crisis peacefully.
“Both leaders should talk directly. The people of Jammu and Kashmir should no longer pay the price for a conflict not of their making.”