Srinagar, November 3: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti's renewed appeal for dialogue between Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre has brought the positions of regional political parties, particularly the Apni Party and the Peoples Conference, into focus.
Addressing a party workers' convention at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar on Monday, Mehbooba said the political challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir could not be resolved through arrests, restrictions or stringent laws. She called for meaningful engagement with New Delhi, arguing that dialogue was essential to address the region's long-standing political concerns.
Mehbooba also invoked the approach of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee towards Kashmir and recalled the reconciliation efforts of her father and PDP founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Her latest remarks have drawn attention because the Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari, and the Peoples Conference, headed by Sajad Gani Lone, have consistently advocated engagement with the Centre.
Both parties have faced criticism from political rivals, who have accused them of being close to the BJP or acting as its political alternatives in Jammu and Kashmir. However, their leaders have rejected such allegations, maintaining that engaging with central leadership is necessary to raise the region's concerns.
The Apni Party has repeatedly emphasised the restoration of statehood and safeguards for land and employment rights. Bukhari has argued that meeting central leaders to discuss Jammu and Kashmir's demands should not be interpreted as political allegiance to the BJP.
Similarly, Sajad Gani Lone's Peoples Conference has supported political engagement with New Delhi while maintaining its opposition to the constitutional changes introduced in August 2019.
The political approaches of these parties differ, particularly on the question of Article 370, restoration of statehood and the conditions for dialogue with the Centre.
The PDP itself has a history of political engagement with the BJP. In 2015, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed formed a coalition government with the BJP, which continued under Mehbooba Mufti until June 2018, when the BJP withdrew its support.
During Monday's convention, Mehbooba defended that alliance and urged party workers not to feel apologetic about their political history.
She also criticised the National Conference over its political record and argued that Kashmir's problems required reconciliation rather than a policy centred on restrictions and arrests.
Her latest statement has once again highlighted a common demand among several regional parties: sustained political dialogue between Jammu and Kashmir and the central government. However, differences over the approach and demands continue to shape the region's political landscape.
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