Creating bunkers not long-term solution: Mehbooba Mufti on troubled Indo-Pak ties

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that instead of fighting each other, India and Pakistan should fight against poverty adding that it is the only way to move forward. 

"I hope that Pakistan follows PM Narendra Modi's advice seriously that fighting poverty together is the way forward rather than fighting with each other. We have to learn to live together. Creating bunkers is not a long term solution," Mehbooba said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been witnessing uproar over the issue of shelling by Pakistani forces in border areas.

The opposition has been attacking the government over its alleged failure to protect the people from Pakistani shelling which has left 12 people including 7 civilians dead.

NC member Ali Mohammad Sagar had on Tuesday alleged that the government was silent on large scale deaths of people in border shelling. "There is an extraordinary situation on the borders. Government should respond to the situation. Why are we allowing deaths of people", Sagar had asked.

He also added that there was a difference between the thinking of two coalition partners - PDP and the BJP. Seeking a clarification from the alliance partners, he stated that while BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma claimed that Rs 450 crore was allotted by the Centre for construction of bunkers for border people, Mehbooba Mufti said they do not need bunkers and the need is to improve Indo-Pak relations to end ceasefire violations.