PDP Calls for Fair Probe, Compassion After Red Fort, Nowgam Blasts

SRINAGAR: The Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday condemned the deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort and the accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station, urging the nation to respond with compassion, restraint and renewed commitment to dialogue.

During the party’s executive committee meeting, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti expressed profound grief over both incidents, which together claimed multiple lives and left several injured. She said moments of national tragedy demand empathy and unity rather than anger and division.

“No ideology or grievance can justify the killing of innocent people. Violence wounds the very soul of humanity,” the party said in a formal resolution, extending solidarity to the bereaved families and praying for the recovery of the injured.

Calling for a transparent and fair investigation into the Red Fort blast, the PDP cautioned that no innocent person should be harassed or targeted in the name of inquiry. Justice, it said, must not come at the cost of dignity, and past mistakes—where force deepened alienation—must not be repeated.

Reiterating its commitment to non-violence and constitutional means of conflict resolution, the party said the core challenge today lies in a “complete breakdown of conversation” between Kashmir and the rest of the country since the events of August 5, 2019. Mehbooba said national leaders must reach out to a generation still coping with “shock, hurt and humiliation,” emphasising that reliance solely on security measures cannot restore trust.

Addressing the concerns over young Kashmiris being investigated in connection with extremist activities, Mehbooba described it as a painful moment requiring collective introspection. “Education alone cannot protect society from extremism. Young people also need compassion, opportunity and a sense of belonging,” she said.

Urging the Centre to address rising alienation with sensitivity rather than coercion, she stressed that Kashmir’s youth must be encouraged towards life, not sacrifice. “Our youth must live for Kashmir, not die for it. Their dreams and courage are the true strength of our homeland,” she said.

Mehbooba concluded by asserting that the wounds of society cannot heal through blame or retaliation. “Dialogue is not a weakness; it is the highest expression of strength. It is time to rise above fear and prejudice and work together for a peaceful future,” she said, thanking party workers for their steadfastness during difficult times.