Peace process will bear fruit in Kashmir; Mehbooba

Srinagar, Dec 2 (UNI) President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti today said that the peace process initiated by the coalition government and endorsed by the Centre in Jammu and Kashmir has generated hope of finding a ''practical, realistic, and lasting solution'' to Kashmir issue.

Addressing a one-day party convention at Badgam in central Kashmir, she said the party is working on a comprehensive political and economic formulation for the permanent settlement of the Kashmir problem, paving the way for long-lasting peace in the region.

Ms Mufti, President of PDP, a partner in the government, said the state government which was previously a passive recipient of bilateral initiatives, took the centre-stage to drive the process after 2002 assembly polls.

She said the government revived social collaboration, political reconciliation and democratic participation through innovative historic steps which included opening of the Srinagar-Muzzaffarabad and the Poonch-Rawalakote roads after more than 50 years.

The PDP President said the peace process had tremendous impact on the ground, which has been seen, felt and heard in the State. This change had increased the local stake in the process of peace-drive and generated consensus among principal stakeholders on the resolution of the problem.

She said the time has come to work-out a solution of the Kashmir problem that is last but not the least acceptable to all the parties.

Blaming the National Conference (NC) for sabotaging the political and economic interests of the State, Ms Mufti said it would take centuries together to undo the damages caused by NC to the people.

UNI BAS SP BD1634