Jammu and Kashmir CM Mufti hails India-Pakistan's farsightedness

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Tuesday hailed Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan for their "farsightedness and maturity" in extending hand of friendship towards each other.

Mr Sayeed also expressed hope that the fresh reconciliatory moves would result in lasting peace in the region.

"The voices of people of J&K have been heard. I hope the two countries will now engage in a comprehensive and sustained dialogue to reduce trust deficit which will pave way for more people-to-people contact, confidence building measures and broadening of the scope of trade across the Line of Control (LoC) as well the International Border.

"I also hope the fresh reconciliatory moves between India and Pakistan will break new ground and result in lasting and sustained peace in the region," Mr Sayeed said in Srinagar.

The Chief Minister was addressing a public gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park after laying foundation stone of a new flyover (grade separator) near TRC Junction and was accompanied by Member of Parliament for Anantnag and ruling PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and his cabinet colleagues.

Promising to make the state an abode of peace and tranquility, Mr Sayeed said his endeavor is to end political uncertainty which has brought "miseries" to the people of the state.

On the implementation of National Food Security Act in the state, the Chief Minister said the government took a big decision to provide ration to people on subsidized price as per Census 2011.

"However, we welcome suggestions and ensure that all stakeholders will be taken on board," he said, referring to the criticism from opposition parties and separatist groups on the act.

Mr Sayeed emphasized that his government would remain totally focused on the development of the summer capital.

"The government will offer land as equity to develop new housing colonies and townships in PPP mode, especially for urban poor and those belonging to very low-income groups. I feel the pain confronting people and understand hardship facing them on the housing front.

"We will overcome the acute shortage of affordable housing colonies in downtown city which is bursting at its seam," he said.

In her address, Mehbooba Mufti, while referring to the state of turmoil in the Muslim world, said, "it is an irony that Islam, the religion of peace, is being maligned and portrayed as a religion advocating violence".

"I urge the youth of Kashmir to come forward and present the religion of Islam in its true sense before the world," she said.