PDP patron lauds Modi's move to call Sharif

Lauding the initiative, Sayed said this is a 'gigantic step' to set a new agenda for reconciliation and resolution  between the two countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday, he said the SAARC formatting of the initiative was a very constructive approach which could augur well for realizing the economic potential of the South Asian region.

Mufti said the initiatives taken by the Prime Minister on his swearing-in by inviting the SAARC leaders, including Sharif,  had set the right tone for India's leadership role in the region but the calling off the secretary level talks soon after, had blunted its potential.

"The resumption of talks and the Prime Minister's  telephonic conversation with Mr Sharif have come as a major intervention to revive the stalled peace process between our country and Pakistan," he said.

The PDP patron said the friendship between India and Pakistan is of prime importance for releasing the creative energies from decade's long
atmosphere of hostility of which Jammu and Kashmir has been the main victim.

Mufti  said Jammu and Kashmir has borne the brunt of wars, militancy and a destabilized political situation as a result of the conflict between the two countries, and it is a good omen that Prime Minister has taken up the bold initiative at a crucial stage of the state's history.

"Economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir can generate a political dividend and emotional satisfaction only in an atmosphere of peace which can be anchored in the overall framework of India- Pakistan amity," he added.

He said violence along the borders since last year has resulted in casualties and it causes pain whether the victims are from 'our defense forces, or civilians on both sides of it'.

He expressed the hope that the new initiative by the Prime Minister would lead to sustained and uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan and which would realize peace and stability in the region.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)