Srinagar, June 2, 2026: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written to regional leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging them to set aside political differences and unite in a joint outreach to the Prime Minister and Home Minister. In a letter dated June 2, 2026, Mufti emphasized the need for a “Ladakh-like united outreach” to initiate a sustained dialogue with the Government of India, citing recent breakthroughs achieved by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) as proof that dialogue delivers meaningful outcomes.
Mufti stated that J&K is at a critical juncture in its history, where pervasive feelings of despair and disillusionment have gripped the region. She stressed that overcoming the current stalemate requires a broad consensus that transcends party lines and partisan interests. “Disagreements and squabbling between regional parties have been detrimental to the collective interests of J&K,” she wrote, adding, “A reasonable consensus, especially post-2019, is the only solution.” Mufti called on leaders to prioritize the common good over political point-scoring and to focus on restoring the rights and dignity of the people as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
In her letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mufti described his support as “a prerequisite for the success of this political platform.” She urged him to initiate an official meeting of all regional parties to formally reach out to the Central Government. “If Ladakh could do it, so can we,” she remarked, referencing the successful united efforts of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance in engaging with the Centre. Mufti emphasized that genuine unity in these unprecedented times could pave the way for restoring the rights and dignity of the people of J&K.
The letter was also sent to several other key leaders, including BJP Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra, CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, J&K Aam Aadmi Party president Mehraj Malik, Peoples Democratic Front chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, J&K National Panthers Party president Harsh Dev Singh, Shiv Sena (J&K unit) president Manish Sahni, Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti president Sanjay Tickoo, and Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Chairman Jaspal Singh.
Mufti’s appeal comes at a time when J&K continues to grapple with political uncertainty and social unrest. She highlighted that the lack of dialogue and persistent infighting among regional parties have only deepened the crisis, leaving the people feeling abandoned and disillusioned. “The time has come to make a united outreach to the PM and HM and prevail upon them to initiate a sustained dialogue with the people of J&K,” she wrote, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The former Chief Minister also underscored the importance of collective welfare over individual political gains. “This cannot become a matter of appropriating political credit or point scoring. Rather, it must become a moment of unification in the largest interest of the people we all claim to represent,” she stated. Mufti’s call for unity reflects a growing recognition among regional leaders that continued fragmentation will only further marginalize the people of J&K and delay the restoration of democratic processes and constitutional rights.
The letter has been widely seen as a significant step toward fostering political cohesion in the region. Observers note that while past attempts at unity have often faltered due to entrenched rivalries, Mufti’s initiative could mark a turning point if it succeeds in rallying diverse political factions under a shared agenda. The outcome of this proposed dialogue with the Centre will be closely watched, as it holds the potential to shape the future trajectory of J&K’s political and social landscape.
