‘All governments worked on this’: Mehbooba Mufti welcomes train to Kashmir, credits collective effort

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday welcomed the arrival of the train to Kashmir, calling it a significant milestone achieved through the combined efforts of successive governments over four decades.Speaking to reporters, Mufti acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in completing the ambitious project, which began with the Jammu-Udhampur railway link under former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1983.“We welcome the train. The work had been on for the past 40 years, ever since Indira Gandhi started the Jammu-Udhampur railway link in 1983,” PTI quoted Mufti.“All governments have worked on this project, and Modi has completed it.

It was very difficult, but he has done it, and people are happy with it,” Mufti added.Responding to the prime minister’s speech in Katra earlier in the day, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister was pleased by Modi’s acknowledgment of the Kashmiri people's firm rejection of terrorism, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.“I am also happy that Modi has acknowledged the stand taken by the people of Kashmir against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack.

He appreciated Adil Shah, who laid down his life while saving a tourist. This is who Kashiris are,” she said.However, Mufti expressed concern over the spate of arrests in the Valley following the attack, questioning the Centre’s justification for detaining large numbers of youths, often without formal charges.“It is my humble request to the government to review these arrests,” she said. She also called for the release of the detained Kashmiri people on the occasion of Eid. “When you admit that Kashmiris are peace-loving people, these people should be released on the eve of Eid. Those who do not have any serious charges against them or those who have been detained only on suspicion.”