Srinagar, Sep 21: Reacting to the cancellation of meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan in New York, former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, “Calling off meeting between India & Pak’s FMs is bad news for J&K. Both countries owe it to people of state & country to carry on dialogue rather than talking through media. In spite of a historic mandate, it is media & not NDA leadership that is setting the agenda.”
Mehbooba had earlier welcomed the proposed meeting between the two foreign ministers.
“Accepting peace overtures of Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan by agreeing to a meeting between India & Pakistan’s Foreign Ministers is a welcome step. Even though it has come towards the fag end of NDA’s tenure, better late than never,” she had earlier said on Twitter.
Expressing surprise at the cancellations of talks between the foreign minister of India and Pakistan, CPI(M) leaders and MLA Kulgam Mohammad YusufTarigami said, “It is strange and unfortunate that talks between foreign ministers of India and Pakistan have been called off.
“Dialogue between the two countries is essential to imitate a peace process in the region. Closing off avenues for talks can only encourage disruptive forces,” he said.
Tarigami said the policy of confrontation has only resulted in adding to the woes and miseries of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Whatever the excuses, the fact remains that the dialogue between the two countries is the only option to resolve issues,” Tarigami said.
