Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and People's Democratic Party leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed asked Pakistan on Sunday to rein in militants operating in the state to 'give peace a chance'.
"President Pervez Musharraf has taken various initiatives to carry forward the peace process. I strongly hope the Pakistan government will try to rein in militants to give peace a chance," Sayeed told reporters.
He said Pakistan needs to advise militants operating in the state to shelve the gun and allow the peace process to proceed without hindrance.
"Political and dialogue process has taken precedence over the gun and militants should fall in line and give peace a chance," he said.
The PDP leader said focussed attention on the state from both India and Pakistan at both the governmental level as well as on the level of people-to-people contact had contributed to developing a new era of friendship.
He credited the change in perceptions beween the neighbouring countries to the major role played by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
About the four-point formula put forth by President Musharraf for resolving the Kashmir issue, Sayeed said, "I do not agree with those who have rejected the formula. I welcome the formula. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has shown willingness to discuss the formula. Parameters have already been drawn. Without changing borders a resolution has to be found out."
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