The Opposition PDP today welcomed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's latest move to revive the peace process with the newly-elected government in Pakistan and said, it offers a great opportunity for the leadership of both countries to "chart a new course" in bilateral relations.
"We hope that election of Nawaz Sharif as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan would not only prove a stabilising factor for that country, but also pave way for scripting a new chapter in Indo-Pak ties with Jammu and Kashmir," Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said while addressing a workers' convention in Kupwara, 100 kms from here.
There was no alternative to peace process set in motion by India and Pakistan in 2003, she said.
Jammu and Kashmir has huge stakes in Indo-Pak peace as it has a direct bearing on the state and its people, Mehbooba said adding, "There is no way but to acknowledge the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, if we want permanent peace in the sub-continent."
Expressing hope that with the new atmosphere of peace and stability, Jammu and Kashmir would emerge as a hub of free movement of goods and people in the region with expansion of trade and travel, not only through existing cross-LoC routes, but also in opening of new routes like Jammu-Sialkote and Kargil-Skardu as well.
