New Delhi, Feb 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has expressed the hope that more separatist groups would join the peace process initiated in the restive state. ''The peace process has gained momentum and other groups are also expected to join,'' he told newspersons while releasing a book on Kashmir yesterday.
''We had a bad patch (in the history) for 12 years and thousands of people were killed. There is now a change in the mindset of people. They want peace and resolution of the problem through a dialogue,'' he said.
Referring to the forthcoming tour of Indian cricket team to Pakistan, the Chief Minister said it was a great step taken by the Centre as one of the confidence building measures preceding the composite dialogue between the two countries.
Sayeed said he had been advocating opening of Muzafarabad road for it would facilitate interaction of people from both sides. “I want to see the people coming from across (the border). People are enthusiastic about the road and it will be a great stride when it is opened,'' he added.
About seat sharing arrangement with the Congress for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state, the Chief Minister said the matter was being discussed and most likely the polls would be contested jointly.
Regarding the feel good factor of the Vajpayee government, Sayeed said as far as situation in Kashmir is concerned ''we can also feel good''.
Referring to the government order directing 19 migrant Kashmiri employees here to report immediately for duty to their original places of posting in the valley, he said it was a cabinet decision, which they would have to abide by.
He said all these employees were gazetted officers and should come back to the valley. ''They are sons of the soil and are given definite zones to work,'' he said, adding the government will provide them proper security. Bureau Report