Srinagar, May 26 (KNB): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice President Mohammad Sartaj Madni has said that Jammu and Kashmir state is likely to witness a promising phase of peace and development as a prelude to dispute resolution. He said soon after ceasefire as a mark of respect to Holy month of Ramzan a process has well begun with New Delhi pursuing several other measures of reconciliation and confidence- building.
Madni said revival of the moves which changed whole scenario during 2002 -2005 is becoming possible which is received with optimism by people of the state with a strong hope that violence as a means of problem resolution will come to close. Madni hailed union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for his latest initiative inviting Pakistan and Hurriyat for peace building by way of ending hostilities.
This gesture comes close to Prime Minister Narender Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir where he dropped hints of a positive process which could bring relief to people and would also reduce tensions.
Linking this to serious initiatives being perceived Madni said that New Delhi and Islamabad should realize the importance of reconciliation and dialogue if they want to partner the global agenda of growth , development and cooperation and want the people of the sub- continent to come out of Cold War situation obtaining here for long.
He said given the level of hostilities between two neighbouring countries and intensity of anger among the youth of Kashmir, ceasefire may seem a small measure in the intractable and difficult situation. But now seen linked with a broader process the move can well be acknowledged as beginning for much needed reconciliation and sustainable dialogue among all the stake holders. Madni said so far ceasefire has shown positive gains on the ground. Public is feeling relieved and level of violence has come down even as guns continue to roar at borders at the cost of border residents.
Madni said PDP has opposed violence and war eversince its emergence. Like Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba Mufti also pursues peace agenda with fidelity. Party has contributed immensely to confidence building with sole belief that nothing except dialogue at all levels offers hope. He said it is out of this conviction that Mehbooba Mufti called All Party support and exhorted upon New Delhi to follow and emulate Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to get the state and sub-continent out of present morass.
Fortunately New Delhi and major state level parties responded. But Pakistan did not, which if happens will change the whole scenario for better.
Madni appealed Pakistan government and separatists to shun cynicism and receive the ceasefire move and the linked moves of reconciliation as sincere and sustainable effort towards meaningful dialogue and mutual bonhomie. He exuded confidence that fresh effort will not be allowed to be squandered and Pakistan will seize the opportunity in the larger interest of peace and people.