De-escalate border tension at any cost, says Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to workers

JAMMU: PDP will strive to convince political groups in the country to initiate meaningful dialogue with Pakistan to restore lasting peace on the borders, its Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said.

He said the Peoples Democratic Party will work as a facilitator to ensure de-escalation of tension on the LoC and International Border.

The Mufti was addressing a series of public meetings during his tour to border areas of R S Pura in Jammu.

He said normalcy between India and Pakistan is a must for the socio-economic growth of the people of South Asian region and cautioned that escalation of tension was against the interest of both the countries.

"From these border areas, I appeal to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and leadership of opposition NDA to evolve a consensus for taking some concerted steps to control escalation of tension on the borders because peace is the urge of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

The PDP Patron expressed concern over recent unpleasant events on the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts.

Noting that there was no substitute to dialogue, he said the policy of peace and reconciliation started by the PDP must be taken to its logical conclusion for establishing lasting peace in this region.

"I appeal to the Prime Minister of India and political leadership of Pakistan to adopt a realistic and purposeful policy to establish lasting and sustainable peace in the region," he said.