Will first restore normalcy in Kashmir before talks: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that her government would first restore normalcy in the Valley before initiating talks with the separatists.

She made the comments during her meeting with BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav here.

"In a period of two-three months, you will see a changed Jammu and Kashmir. Next few months are really crucial for us.

“We will first restore the normalcy, than we will talk. This issue is as old as 70 years," Mufti said.

She also said that the Centre must reach out to the disillusioned youth to restore peace.

"We must start from where Vajpayee ji left... Modi ji has repeatedly said that he would follow the footsteps of Vajpayee ji, whose policy was of reconciliation, not confrontation,” she said.

Madhav on Saturday slammed the separatists for using Kashmiri youth as “guinea pigs”during protests. He said there won't be talks with separatists till they stop violence.