Kashmiri Leaders Hail Pakistani Leader's 'No War' Statement

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, May 10: The pro-Indian Kashmiri leaders including chief minister of Kashmir have welcomed the Pakistani defence minister's statement in which he said that Pakistan does not want war with India on Kashmir.

The pro-Indian chief minister of Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad welcomed the statements of Pakistan's Defence Minister and other leaders that "Pakistan wants friendly ties with India and there will be no war on Kashmir". He said the Pakistan leadership was for settling all issues amicably with India. "This is a significant change in the Pakistan stand and will give further impetus to India-Pakistan peace process," he said.

The Indian Water Resources minister and pro-Indian Kashmiri leader, Saif-ud-Din Soz welcomed the election of democratically elected government in Pakistan. He appreciated the dialogue and peace process going on between the two countries and hoped that this would result in a lasting Indo-Pak friendship.

Kashmir's transport minister and pro-Indian leader, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has welcomed statement of Pakistani External Affairs Minister that "Kashmir issues could be sorted out through dialogue between the two nations".

Hakeem said he favours free trade between India and Pakistan. He called for working out a mechanism to facilitate easy travel across the LoC. He said the relationship between the two countries was fast improving, which, he said, would have direct bearing on the internal situation of Jammu and Kashmir. He said opening of more routes across the LoC would be instrumental for improving the economic condition of the state.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.

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