Changing Pak situation will have positive impact on Kashmir: Mufti

Jammu, Feb 26 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the changing situation in Pakistan would have ''positive impact'' on the State.

''The fast-changing equations in our neighbouring country will also have a definite positive impact on the state's situation and there is a need to build on this developing momentum,'' said Mr Sayeed in a statement.

''At the same time we need to move ahead on other confidence Building Measures (CBMs), including rehabilitation of dependents of all victims of violence, facilitating safe return of boys who had gone across for the arms training and want to return and live peacefully and rehabilitation of migrant Kashmiri Pandits,'' he said.

Expressing satisfaction over the work done by the Congress-PDP coalition government in the State, the former Chief Minister said the initiatives taken by the Jammu and Kashmir government at various levels have laid a strong foundation of mutual trust and confidence to build upon for the ultimate resolution of the vexed issue.

He welcomed the UPA government's assertion of working for peace and development in the State by focusing on CBMs and meeting the aspirations of people.

''The emerging situation necessitates a set of substantive political and economic measures, on the internal and bilateral fronts, to consolidate the situation to the extent that holds a promise for enduring peace and prosperity in the State and in the region,'' Mr Sayeed added.

The former Chief Minister said it had been the consistent view of his party that the problems confronting the State and its people could be resolved only through tangible reconciliatory and the CBMs on the internal and bilateral fronts.

He expressed dismay over the antagonistic noises of certain quarters regarding the rehabilitation of the families of the militants killed during the turmoil. ''We can't punish the children for the wrong-doings of their militant fathers,'' PDP leader asserted.

''Men, women and children, irrespective of age, status or political affiliation have been traumatised over the last decade-and-a-half and they need to be supported to live dignified lives,'' he added.

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