Date:08/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/08/stories/2005040809831100.htm

National

A dream come true for J&K people: Mufti

By Luv Puri

SRINAGAR, APRIL 7. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today said the opening of the Jhelum Valley Road is a dream come true for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been waiting for this moment for more than five decades. He said the bus has broken down the walls of hatred.

Talking to reporters after the historic launch of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service here this morning, the Chief Minister said plying the bus is a major confidence-building measure, which speaks volumes of the trust the country has reposed in the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of the State have fully supported the move aimed at bringing the people closer and building bridges between India and Pakistan.

Emphasizing the need to move ahead on the road to peace, he said there is no other option. He asked the separatists to positively respond to the offer of talks by the Centre. The Mufti said he does not see any reason why they should spurn the offer when they had held two rounds of talks with the Centre earlier. `When there is a democratic option available why should they not take it?'

The Chief Minister described Wednesday's attack by militants as a desperate act and said he was happy that it was condemned by all, both in India and Pakistan.