Srinagar, Oct 04: Observing that there were ups and downs in the peace process, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the centre should not withdraw the hand of friendship extended by Prime Minster Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Pakistan. "The hand of friendship extended to Pakistan by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from here should not be withdrawn", he said in his address at the day-long convention of people's democratic party workers here. Sayeed said there may be ups and downs but the peace process needed to be strengthened. "It should go forward and not backward". The Chief Minister said there was a yearning for peace among the masses. "We want dignified and honourable peace", he said adding that talks have to be held with the people of the state to resolve the issue. Sayeed said it was not just a slogan but firm commitment of PDP to create an atmosphere conducive for talks for resolution of the Kashmir issue.
He said developmental works in Jammu and Kashmir could not wait till the resolution of the issue.
Admitting that human rights violations had taken place during his reign, Sayeed said his government has impressed upon security forces not to harm innocent civilians while combating militancy.
He said the government was trying to bring the youth out from darkness on to the path of development. "Our priority also includes to take care of the children orphaned during militancy".
Bureau Report