Mufti for accelerating on going peace process

Jammu, Apr 3 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today stressed for initiating bold steps to further accelerate the on-going peace process between India and Pakistan.

The coalition regime in J&K, Mr Sayeed said, has laid a solid foundation of mutual trust and confidence among different regions of the state. ''This regime has carved out a new path of peace and tranquility in this region and it is high time for initiating some bold steps to further accelerate the on-going peace process,'' he said.

The PDP patron, who was addressing a public meeting at Chakroi village of R S Pura, said the biggest achievement of coalition regime was making conducive atmosphere for initiating peace process and taking Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to normalise relations between India and Pakistan.

''Previous NDA regime headed by Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee and present UPA government led by Dr Manmohan Singh whole heartadly supported initiatives taken by us for restoring peace in this region,'' Mr Sayeed claimed.

''Despite tension on border at that time, Mr Vajpayee fully convinced with our convictions, made an historical announcement from Kashmir which ultimately led to ease of tension on border,'' he added.

PDP patron further said the coalition government had institutionalised the employment process and brought transparency in all sorts recruitments.

Pointing towards the recent meeting of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti with Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Mr Sayeed hoped these types of steps would help in further accelerating peace process to end the decades old hostility and violence in the state.

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