Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 24: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has hailed the NDA Government’s decision to confer Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In a statement issued here, Sayeed said Vajpayee deserved country’s highest honour not only for his contribution in India’s political arena but for his historic peace and reconciliation initiatives in and around Jammu and Kashmir. “The political sagacity, maturity and vision of Mr Vajpayee and extension of friendship to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Parliament attack and the ceasefire announced by him are some of the historic confidence building measures which dawned a new era of peace and tranquility in the State and the region,” he said recalling former Prime Minister’s historic speech in Srinagar on April 18, 2003 wherein, he had extended hand of friendship towards Pakistan at a time when there was eyeball to eyeball situation on the borders.
“It is a matter of great satisfaction for me personally as having worked with Mr Vajpayee, I know how he responded positively and effectively to the great yearning for peace and democratic spirit in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mufti said.
Mr Sayeed also referred to Vajpayee’s assertion that Kashmir issue will be resolved within the ambit of humanity (Insaniyat Kay Dairay Main Kashmir Maslay Ka Hal Nikaleingay. “Also to address the external dimension of Kashmir problem Vajpayee had adopted policy of reconciliation saying (Hum Dost Badal Saktey Hain Humsaya Nahi),” he said and expressed the hope that the Government headed by Narendra Modi will pursue the policies of Mr Vajpayee on Jammu and Kashmir as a tribute to the great politician and statesman.
Mufti also welcomed the Government’s decision to confer Bharat Ratna on the freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malaviya.
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