Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has urged the Indian government to show restraint and avoid escalating conflict, while still advocating for appropriate retribution.

In a special interaction with IANS, Iltija, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, condemned the barbaric killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadows, calling it a “dastardly act.” However, she opposed any move toward full-scale military escalation, emphasizing that war only results in suffering for civilians—especially in border regions like Jammu & Kashmir.

“Whenever you talk about war or military conflict, it is the people of J&K who suffer. We are the ones who face collateral damage,” she said, calling for thoughtful action instead of knee-jerk military responses.

While acknowledging the government’s right to ensure national security, Iltija stressed that “war is never an answer.” She cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own statement from a visit to Russia where he declared, “the era of war is over,” urging him to hold true to that sentiment in the current crisis.

She also criticized former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the National Conference (NC), accusing them of aligning too closely with the BJP on key issues, including the silence on Waqf Board amendments.

“I think after 2019, the people of J&K have endured so much. The NC did not speak about the Waqf issue in the Assembly, and neither did BJP. If they’re just going to echo BJP’s line, what’s the point of electing 50 MLAs?” she remarked.

Iltija’s statements highlight a growing demand for balanced and people-first approaches to security in Kashmir, as regional leaders navigate a tense and emotional aftermath.