Excelsior Correspondent
GOOL (RAMBAN), May 6: Reiterating that dialogue is the only way to solve all vexed problems, patron of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that India and Pakistan should take the process of peace and reconciliation to its logical end for restoring lasting and sustainable peace in this region. He hoped that a stable democratic Government would be formed after the on-going general elections in the neighbouring country.
“Political stability in Pakistan is must for establishing lasting peace in the sub-continent in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular”, he opined and hoped that the new Government in Pakistan would initiate some bold steps to further improve relation with India.
Addressing a gathering here, Mufti said that there was a need to reactivate and carry forward the peace process which was initiated after formation of the PDP led coalition regime in the State in the year 2002.
Recalling historical steps which were taken after formation of PDP-Congress Government in the State, Mufti said that foundation for restoring peace between India and Pakistan was laid when the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had extended hands of friendship towards Pakistan on April 18, 2003 from Srinagar.
“That decision of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had scripted a new chapter of peace and friendship between two countries”, he recalled and added that PDP also played historical role in normalizing relations between India and Pakistan. He pointed out that the opening of cross LoC routes was the biggest ever Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between two countries and credit for this goes to PDP.
PDP patron, however, regretted that the present regime headed by Omar Abdullah has failed to carry forward the process of peace and reconciliation. “Had the present regime followed the pro- peace policies of PDP, situation would have been different in whole sub-continent”, he said and lamented that present regime has spoiled the atmosphere of peace which was created by previous government.
Reiterating resolve of his party to aggressively pursue the pro-peace agenda, Mufti said it was only during the regime of PDP that dignity and honour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir was restored.
Highlighting achievements of PDP led regime, he said PDP led coalition regime had carved out a path of peace and equitable development in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that PDP-Congress coalition regime had revived people’s faith in the democratic institutions. “Removing regional imbalance and creating atmosphere for initiating peace process was the remarkable achievement of PDP led coalition”, he observed.
Expressing his anguish over pace of work on Ramban-Rajouri road via Gool-Mahore, PDP patron said that credibility of agencies engaged in execution was under cloud because work on this important road was going on snail’s pace. “About 30 years back, work on this important road was started but till date authorities failed to complete the same”, he said and asked the executing agencies to expedite the work.
Observing that there was huge tourism potential in Gool area, he supported the demand of setting up Tourism Development Authority of this belt also.
Yash Pal Sharma, MLC, Basharat Bukhari, MLA, Ved Mahajan were among others who spoke on the occasion.
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