The Iron Lady of Kashmir: A Life Devoted to Peace and the People
For Mehbooba Mufti, politics has never been about power. It has been about people. From her first campaign in the lanes of Bijbehara to the office of Chief Minister, one purpose has guided every step of her journey: to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and to see the land she loves live in lasting peace.
A Voice for Peace
Few leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have spoken as consistently about peace as Mehbooba Mufti. Through times of hope and times of hardship, she has held to a simple conviction — that the problems of the region can only be solved through dialogue, not division. She has repeatedly called for peaceful talks with all stakeholders, believing that every voice deserves to be heard and that reconciliation is stronger than confrontation.
As Chief Minister she turned that conviction into action. In May 2018, at her urging, the Centre agreed to suspend security operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan — the first such pause in nearly two decades — so that people could observe the month in peace and give dialogue a chance.
Her vision is of a Jammu and Kashmir where children grow up without fear, where young people can build their futures at home, and where Jammu, Kashmir and every region move forward together.
The Healing Touch
The idea of the “healing touch” has been at the heart of the PDP since its founding, and Mehbooba Mufti has given it a human face. Her speeches have spoken directly to the pain of families who lost loved ones, to mothers waiting for news of their children, and to communities longing for dignity and calm. She is remembered for visiting grieving homes personally, sitting with families and listening to them — often in places few others would go.
That outreach began early. In the 1990s, at the height of the violence, when few politicians dared to travel through the villages of South Kashmir, she went door to door to sit with grieving families who had lost loved ones, listening to their pain and giving them a voice. It earned her a trust among ordinary people that has stayed with her ever since.
Decades later, her message remains the same. Marking her father's death anniversary in January 2025, she said the ailing hearts of Kashmiris need a healing touch more than ever.
Putting Property in Women's Hands
Her commitment to women was not just words. On 11 May 2018, her cabinet abolished stamp duty entirely on property bought or transferred in a woman's name — taking it to zero — to encourage families to register homes and land in the names of their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. UN Women India publicly welcomed the decision as a huge step towards women's empowerment.
The Iron Lady of Kashmir
Her supporters call her the Iron Lady of Kashmir, and it is easy to see why. As a woman in one of the most challenging political landscapes in the country, she has faced pressure, criticism and personal hardship — and has never stopped speaking her mind. Her strength lies not in harshness, but in resilience: the courage to stand firm for what she believes is right for her people.
Always There for Those Who Need Her
Ask people across Jammu and Kashmir about Mehbooba Mufti, and you will hear stories of a leader who picked up the phone, opened her door, or showed up in person when someone needed help. Whether it is a family in distress, a student seeking support or a village asking to be heard, she has always made herself available. That accessibility has defined her public life for nearly three decades.
A Legacy Still Being Written
As the first woman to lead Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has already secured her place in history. But for her, the work is far from over. Her commitment remains what it has always been: peace for Jammu and Kashmir, dignity for its people, and a lifetime of service to them.
