Ceasefire, Not Silence: Mehbooba Backs Modi’s Peace Attempt, Urges Opposition to Rise Above Politics

NDC DESK

In a rare moment of political grace, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has stepped across the aisle, urging the Opposition not to “politically penalise” Prime Minister Narendra Modi for exploring a ceasefire with Pakistan. Her statement, calm and piercing, came just days after Operation Sindoor rattled the subcontinent and realigned the political chessboard.
“Supporting a ceasefire isn’t about endorsing Modi. It’s about saving lives,” Mufti said. “Wars are easy to start, hard to end. The political class must not punish this government for choosing talks over tanks,” she added.

Operation Sindoor showcased India’s military muscle. Then it was followed by Modi’s deliberate restraint, this indeed is a historic move. According to sources, backchannel efforts are already underway to avoid further escalation. Yet, in India’s heated political theatre, the very word ceasefire risks being mistaken for compromise.

Mufti, who served as the last chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir before Article 370 was scrapped, understands the fragility of the region like few others. This is not partisan plea, but is rooted in experience, the trauma that lingers along the border villages, the sleepless nights of mothers fearing shellfire, and the quiet fear of young soldiers who may not return home.

With elections underway, any move, military or diplomatic— risks being judged through the lens of electoral arithmetic. But Mufti asked all parties to transcend their vote banks for a moment and reminded that the cost of war isn’t measured in vote, but in funerals.
Mehbooba Mufti also took aim at a section of the media, accusing it of fanning hatred instead of fostering dialogue. “It’s unfortunate that TV studios today act as war rooms, not newsrooms. This hyper-nationalism isn’t patriotism but propaganda that costs lives,” she rebuked sharply.

What Modi is trying now, despite his reputation for muscular diplomacy is not weakness, it’s wisdom. A ceasefire isn’t cowardice. It’s courage with vision. And those who care about India’s youth, her soldiers, and her tomorrow should stand by any government that chooses conversation over carnage.