On January 7, 2025, marking the ninth death anniversary of former Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti called for a renewed “healing touch” in Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized that the current “graveyard silence” should not be mistaken for genuine peace and highlighted the need to restore the region’s lost identity and dignity.

The Healing Touch Policy (HTP), introduced by Mufti Muhammad Sayeed during his tenure from 2002 to 2005, aimed to address the alienation and grievances of the Kashmiri people through humane governance, rehabilitation of former militants, and reduction of security forces’ footprint. This approach sought to bridge the gap between the state and its citizens, fostering an environment conducive to peace and development. If you weigh the intention, there was nothing bad in the policy.

Mehbooba Mufti’s insistence on reviving HTP in its original form may not be the most effective solution for today’s challenges. Instead, a modernized, inclusive, and development-oriented approach that balances reconciliation with accountability and governance would be far more impactful in addressing the aspirations and grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Why Could HTP in Its Previous Form Be Bad?

The socio-political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir have shifted significantly since the introduction of the original HTP in 2002. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 has fundamentally altered the region’s legal and administrative framework, creating a new set of challenges and sentiments among the populace. Attempting to revive a policy designed for a vastly different context might fail to address the complexities of the current situation.

Moreover, a focus on measures such as releasing militants or reducing the presence of security forces could be perceived by some as an act of appeasement toward anti-national elements, potentially polarizing opinions further. This approach risks alienating victims of militancy, security personnel, and displaced communities like the Kashmiri Pandits, who may feel neglected or sidelined.

Mehbooba Mufti’s advocacy for the policy is also hampered by credibility concerns. Her tenure as Chief Minister (2016–2018) was marked by widespread........

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