Mehbooba welcomes Centre's decision to start sustained dialogue on Kashmir

"I have maintained it all along that sustained dialogue with all stakeholders in the State is the only way forward to get Jammu & Kashmir out of the vicious cycle of uncertainty, acrimony and violence. The people of the State have been the worst victims of this uncertainty spread over decades and a forward movement in political process only can put balms on their wounds," Mehbooba said during press conference in Srinagar.

Welcoming the Centre for taking the initiative, Mehbooba Mufti said she was hopeful that such a bold initiative by the Central Government would boost the confidence of the people of the State in peaceful means of addressing difficult situations.

“Today’s announcement goes in line with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s announcement of August 15 this year in which he had pledged dialogue and reconciliation to reach out to the people of the State," Mehbooba added.

She expressed hope that the initiative would bring the same positive dividends to State and the country as has happened in the past.

The Chief Minister also hoped that the stakeholders in the State, sensing the need for such an engagement, would take full benefit of this opportunity to get Jammu & Kashmir out of these uncertainties and contribute positively in taking the dialogue process to its logical conclusion.

Mehbooba Mufti reiterated the commitment and resolve of her Government to work for dialogue, reconciliation and public outreach in Jammu & Kashmir for winning the hearts and minds of people and healing the wounds which the past has afflicted upon its people.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)