Paradigm shift in India, Pakistan stand on Kashmir: Mufti

Srinagar, Dec 17 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said there was a paradigm shift in the stated positions of both India and Pakistan on the long-festering issue.

Addressing a news conference here, he urged both the countries to carry forward the ongoing and ''irreversible'' peace process.

Mr Sayeed said Jammu and Kashmir had always remained a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. ''Let it (Kashmir) now act as a bridge between the two countries,'' he added.

The former Chief Minister said both India and Pakistan have started moving away from their stated positions on Kashmir. The two countries seem to have realised the ground reality and initiated various positive measures besides offering different options as solutions to the vexed Kashmir issue, he added.

''In my opinion, this is the opportune time to break the ice and resolve the Kashmir issue permanently and amicably,'' he said.

Mr Sayeed sought to disagree with the perception, expressed by certain quarters, that India was not positively reciprocating to the flexibility shown by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

''I have met Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh on number of times. He is very keen to see the resolution of issues. He has also welcomed the Pakistan President's four-point formula on Kashmir.'' Mr Sayeed, who is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron, said Gen Musharraf seemed to be solely in control of things in Pakistan and could speak any language.

''But, ours is a democracy. We have the right to differ...The Prime Minister will have to take everybody along,'' he added.

During his month-long visit to the United States, Mr Sayeed said he felt an urge at the international level to see the resolution of Kashmir issue.

The PDP's self-rule formula could be a viable solution, he said, adding his party would discuss and deliberate the proposal with the people of all the regions of the state.

''Self-rule is not a photocopy of autonomy. It is a much wider concept. Autonomy can be a part of the formula,'' Mr Sayeed said.

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