Srinagar, Feb 12: At a time when security forces are battling with Pakistan-sponsored militants at multiple fronts, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday advocated for Indo-Pak dialogue to "end the bloodshed".
"Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed (in J&K). I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn't matter," she tweeted.
"The people of J&K are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option," Mehbooba added.
The chief minister's assertions comes at a time when security forces are fighting against holed up fidayeen (suicide) militants in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar as well as unending ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the borders.
Later in the day, Mehbooba while speaking in the state Assembly, hit out at some media houses for labelling those favouring dialogues with Pakistan as "anti-nationals."
"Unfortunately, some media houses have created an atmosphere that if we talk of dialogue (with Pakistan) then we are labelled anti-national," she said.
"How long will we make sacrifices? How long will we bear the brunt of this violence? Why do they call [National Conference chief] Farooq Abdullah or me 'anti-nationals' when we propose dialogue," the chief minister asked.
"Wars since 1947 have not resolved the problem. War is no option for us," she said.
While Mehbooba's People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Opposition National Conference (NC) are on the same page on the issues of talks with Pakistan and separatists, PDP's coalition partner, the BJP, has a different view.
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