Jammu and Kashmir should be developed as role model for SAARC countries: PDP

JAMMU: PDP today said Jammu and Kashmir should be developed as a role model for SAARC countries and heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting heads of SAARC countries for his oath taking ceremony.

"The decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite heads of SAARC countries in the oath taking ceremony of his government was a bold step to improve relations with neighbouring countries. Jammu and Kashmir should be developed as a role model for SAARC countries," PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said.

"Jammu and Kashmir, which is bone of contention between India and Pakistan should be developed as bridge to normalise relations between the two countries," the Peoples Democratic Party leader said while addressing a public meeting at Rajouri district, about 180-kms from here.

Noting that the Centre will have to address Kashmir issue and improve relations with Pakistan, Mufti said he was of the opinion that things have started falling in place for rejuvenation of peace process with Pakistan.

He said Jammu and Kashmir would be the biggest beneficiary of the peace process that was started in 2003 but remained on back burner for many years.

"It was all due to cooperation and support of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that peace was restored," he said, adding that healing touch policy started by the previous PDP-led government in the state was endorsed by the previous NDA government headed by Vajpayee.

Pleading for giving a push to cross LoC relations through trade and travel, Mufti said the beginning made on this crucial front has laid down the ground rules for establishment of a Free Economic Zone across the LoC, opening up immense opportunities of employment.