Srinagar: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday broadly welcomed the reported ceasefire between Iran and the United States, calling it a positive step toward de-escalation while underlining the need for sustained diplomacy to ensure lasting peace.
Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, said the two-week truce offered hope for regional stability and appeared to be the outcome of intense diplomatic efforts. She highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, noting that dialogue and engagement remained the only viable way to resolve global conflicts.
Mufti also urged the international community to build on the ceasefire and work toward a comprehensive and durable resolution.
Tariq Hameed Karra, chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, termed the ceasefire a “prudent and timely step.”
Drawing a historical parallel with the Battle of Khaybar, Karra said the nearly 40-day confrontation underscored the value of restraint and strategic patience. He stressed that sustainable peace could only emerge through balanced engagement that respects sovereignty and addresses legitimate concerns, urging stakeholders to convert the pause into a structured peace process.
National Conference president and senior political leader Dr Farooq Abdullah also welcomed the development, asserting that “war is not the solution to anything.”
He warned that prolonged conflict would have far-reaching consequences, including rising oil prices and disruptions in essential supplies, which would disproportionately affect the poor. Abdullah also pointed to the impact on families in Jammu and Kashmir dependent on remittances from the Gulf, expressing concern over the broader economic fallout of continued hostilities.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the outcome of the nearly 39-day conflict.
Referring to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, he asked what tangible gains the United States had achieved, noting that the vital oil route had remained operational even before the escalation.
The ceasefire, announced amid heightened tensions linked to the Israel conflict, has been described as a temporary arrangement, with key issues such as sanctions and long-term security concerns still unresolved.
