India-Pakistan conflict can cause disaster: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti warned on Thursday any military confrontation between India and Pakistan could lead to a disaster of epic proportions. "If urgent steps are not taken to bring down the tensions, confrontation between India and Pakistan would bring a disaster of epic proportions to the state," she said. "Both New Delhi and Islamabad must open channels of communication because of the dangerous consequences of the ongoing escalation along the borders," the Chief Minister said. Mehbooba spoke after India said it carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory. She said the people of the state had the highest stake in peace as many tragedies had befallen them due to violence in the last over two decades. "For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit. "Like siblings India and Pakistan have remained locked in rivalry, but the consequences of continued animosity will be worse." Mehbooba said there was no alternative to talks as India and Pakistan had to return to the negotiating table to resolve their disputes even after two wars. "I am sure that amidst the prevailing gloomy scenario in the region, the hope for peaceful means of resolving the issues will again stand the ground and political leadership of the two countries shall have to revive the peace and reconciliation with fresh resolve. "It will be in the interest of both the countries to solve their problems through the bilateral framework as it is the only way forward given the dicey parameters of international power politics."