Calls for formal recognition of border residents as “war victims”, return to Vajpayee-era peace
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has issued a sharp rebuke to the government over its handling of the situation in border areas affected by cross-border shelling, urging compensation of at least Rs 50 lakh for each affected family and warning against the perils of rising war rhetoric.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar after her visits to Poonch, Tangdhar, and other border districts, Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock at the “inhuman conditions” in which civilians are living. “Even today, people are forced to sleep under the open sky with no shelter, no security, and no government support. Lives have been lost, homes reduced to rubble, and livelihoods wiped out — yet not a single rupee of compensation has been provided,” she said.
Calling for the formal recognition of border residents as “war victims,” Mufti demanded that the next of kin of those killed in shelling incidents be given government jobs and that uninsured shopkeepers who suffered losses be adequately compensated. “There is a humanitarian crisis unfolding, and the administration’s apathy is painful,” she added.
Mehbooba also voiced grave concern over the crumbling healthcare infrastructure in areas like Poonch, stating that the lack of basic equipment like ventilators has turned hospitals into “zones of death” rather than places of healing. She urged the government to treat health infrastructure in border districts as an immediate priority.
Highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of border residents, she called for the urgent construction of underground bunkers to protect civilians from shelling. “It is heartbreaking that in 2025, people are still begging for bunkers and roofs instead of education and healthcare,” she remarked.
In a broader message against the rising tide of militaristic discourse, Mehbooba Mufti lashed out at warmongers, calling war a “zero-sum game” that results only in destruction and loss. “We have already lost 28 people — what kind of victory is that? If leaders are so keen on conflict, let them shift their families to border towns like Tangdhar and R S Pora,” she challenged.
Mufti urged political leaders to embrace the peace-oriented approach of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “War is not an option. The only viable path is dialogue and reconciliation between India and Pakistan, with the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the center,” she said.
She also condemned the criminalization of dissent, saying, “India is a great nation. BJP is not the nation. Asking questions of the government is neither anti-national nor pro-Pakistan.” She cited the arrest of Professor Ali Khan as an example of state hypocrisy, questioning how India can advocate diplomacy abroad while cracking down on intellectuals at home.
Wrapping up her remarks, Mufti urged the central government to act with compassion and accountability. “Our homes have been destroyed, our children buried. How much more do people have to endure before the government listens?” she asked.
