India should take first step to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti

“India Must Take First Step for Peace with Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti’s Controversial Appeal – Wise Diplomacy or Weakness?”

Mehbooba Mufti Appeal: Why India Should Stand Tall
In Srinagar, Mufti maintained that India, being the larger and more stable nation, should take the initiative in reducing hostility with Pakistan.

Key Points from Her Statement:
✔ “Leadership Role”: She argued that India, as the dominant power in South Asia, should act maturely to stabilize the region.
✔ “Moment to Stand Tall”: Instead of roasting each other in the language of retaliation, she proffered an appeal for some diplomatic outreach to put a new spin on this.
✔ US Involvement: She referred to Secretary Rubio calling for de-escalation, indicating that with international pressure, both sides might come to dialogue.

The Big Question Is, Is This Feasible?
Past Attempts: India does have some history of peace talks (e.g., Lahore Declaration, Agra Summit), yet terror attacks in Uri and Pulwama have stayed the course of any progress.

Pakistan’s Stance: Can India ever trust Pakistan’s military establishment, one that has usually been on the side of militant groups?

Domestic Politics?: Would the Indian public tolerate such concessions after several crosses-border terrorism?

The US Factor: Why Washington Is Meditating?
The US State Department declared that Secretary Rubio had spoken with Pakistan’s Army Chief and India’s External Affairs Minister, both from urging restraint.

Why Is the US Interested?
– Strategic Interests: If India and Pakistan do get into a fight, it will destabilize South Asia, thus hurting US interests in Afghanistan and against Chinese influences in the region.
-Nuclear Risks: Both have nuclear arsenals—any escalation can be a concern for the world.

Public & Political Reactions: Who Agrees, Who Doesn’t?
Supporters for Dialogue
Kashmiri Leaders: Many people in J&K would like reduced tension so that the worries of daily life could be reduced and the economy could flourish.

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Peace Activists: They state that dialogue is the only long-term solution.

Against Mehbooba Mufti’s Suggestion
The BJP & Hardliners: First of all, they say Pakistan should stop cross-border terrorism.

Military Experts: They question that whether Pakistani Army, which controls foreign policy, even desires peace.

Intermediate Space?
Some analysts would argue that the backchannel diplomacy (like the ceasefire facilitated by the UAE in 2021) might be better than grandstanding in public.

Can India and Pakistan Ever Establish Normal Relationships?

Obstacles to Peace
> The Kashmir Dispute: The core issue still remains unresolved.
> Terrorism: Terrible organizations Lashkar-e-Taiba & Jaish-e-Mohammed are still operating from within the territory of Pakistan.
> Domestic Politics: Those hardliners on either side who gain from the hostility.

Possible Courses of Action
Continuation of Ceasefire: The LoC ceasefire of 2021 has largely held; could this be used to build trust?
Resumption of Trade: Reopening economic engagements (Punjab trade routes for instance) could ease tensions occasionally.
People-to-People Contact: More cultural exchange programs, visa relaxations, sports diplomacy, and the like.

FAQs why India should take first step to de-escalate:

Q1: Why does Mehbooba Mufti say India should take the step to de-escalate first?
A: Because having already served as the CM of J&K, Mehbooba Mufti is of the opinion that India should exercise regional leadership by taking the initiative for peace, especially after the dispensing of some diplomatic nudges by the US. This would present India as a mature, bigger, and stable nation.

Q2: How was Pakistan’s reaction to the calls for peace?
A: While civilian leaders do at times welcome the possibility of dialogue or talks, the military establishment in Pakistan, which controls the foreign policy domain, continues to back or sponsor militant groups that are targets of India, thus challenging the political leadership’s willingness for peace talks.

Q3: What are the reasons preventing India and Pakistan from having normal relations?
A: Some of the key obstacles can include:

• Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism
• The Kashmir dispute that remains unresolved
• Domestic political opposition on both sides
• Deep institutional distrust between the two militaries

Q4: Has US mediation worked in the past?
A: Mixed results. At certain points, US pressure has bore fruitful results, like brokering ceasefires (say 2021). India, however, strongly favors bilateral solutions. Many analysts think that actual progress is only achieved through backchannel talks between the two security establishments.

Q5: What confidence-building measures may work?
A: Steps to be considered are:

• Formalize the ceasefire in 2021
• Start trade again (particularly Punjab routes)
• Cultural/sports exchanges
• Visa liberalization for divided families

Q6: Why is the timing important now?
A: With Pakistan experiencing an economic crisis while India is on the rise in the global arena, some may see this as an opportunity for India to influence regional dynamics.

Conclusion: Does India Have to Take the Lead?

It is a bold proposition by Mehbooba Mufti suggesting that India should de-escalate first, yet the proposal faces gigantic political and security hurdles. Dialogue could ideally be the best way forward, but it is worth noting that Pakistan’s actions, not words, will answer the question: Is peace truly achievable?