Kashmir solution should be in the interests of youths: PDP

Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today said any durable solution to the Kashmir problem will have to address the "sentiments, dreams and interests" of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.

Mehbooba, whose party is the main opposition in the state, told two British diplomats in a meeting here: "The youth in Kashmir have articulated their feelings on the issues facing them during the current unrest, as never before. A new narrative is emerging from Kashmir that has to be configured into any resolution format."

Victoria L Whitford, first secretary (political) in the British high commission in New Delhi, and Sharon McDonald, second political secretary in the UK's mission in Islamabad, arrived here yesterday.

Mehbooba said, "The youths in Kashmir must get what comes by right to every citizen of the free world. This has been the cornerstone of the policy and political agenda of our party."

The PDP president said Jammu & Kashmir enjoys a unique location as it is connected with important and economically resurgent South Asia and Central Asia and has land access to the rest of the world.

"As a result of the dispute, the region became hostage to conflicting interests which should be addressed to lead our new generations into a world of hope and opportunity," she said.

Mehbooba said the PDP's proposal for devolution of powers could remove the feeling of discrimination in the Kashmir valley.

"The provision for an elected governor on rotational basis between the regions of the state can give a new sense of political participation and empowerment to all regions," she said.