Srinagar, Mar 2 (KNS): Former Chief Minister of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state , Mehbooba Mufti, on Tuesday said that Kashmir issue is not about roads and development but a far bigger issue.  

“In peace times, roads and lane are laid automatically. Even recently elected DDC members can do it,” she said during her address to party workers in Anantnag. 

“People of Jammu and Kashmir have been in difficult tines for last 70 years. Thousands of people have been sacrificed whether a militant, a surrendered militant, a common man, a policeman or a security forces personnel,” Mehbooba said according to KNS correspondent.
She added, “The presence of 10 lakh soldiers reflects Kashmiri is an issue which needs resolution.”
She also demanded "whatever India has taken away should be returned back with interest.” 
“Why are you getting angry? If I shall not ask you, should I ask Pakistan? We are asking for return from the Parliament which snatched our respect and pride. Snatched our identity. People of Kashmir have been fighting from last 70 years irrespective of methodology adopted.”

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urged people to advise their children not to take up arms. “Please ask my children not to wield gun because violence is not solution to any problem.”

Citing the farmers protest, she said that none of them carries gun or stone in their hand. “Today world is advocating their cause. Why they do not advocate our cause? It is because we have been bracketed as terrorists so as to delegitimise our aspirations and our struggle. What does gun brought here? Our minors get killed. Athar Mushtaq of Below Rajpora Pulwama had just passed 10th class and had just joined 11th standard, and he died at (Lawaypora) HMT. His father seeks body. He called me that his son is buried in Sonamarg and urged me to get permission so that he could properly lay him in the grave there now. This is limit of injustice. Shouldn't we talk about it or remain silent?” (KNS)