Mehbooba bats for peace in India-Pak

Says if US, Iran can end hostilities, why not India, Pak

JAMMU: Pitching strongly for Indo-Pak reconciliation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said India and Pakistan should begin a new era of peace and prosperity in the region on similar lines as US and Iran have recently ended hostilities and stitched a new phase of engagement.

"If US and Iran can join hands, I see no reason why India and Pakistan cannot come together to restore stability and begin a new era of peace and prosperity in the region," Mehbooba said while interacting with media-persons on the sidelines of her marathon tour here today. The Chief Minister invoked the legacy of former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, by sending a strong message of peace and reconciliation to both India and Pakistan, reports PTI.

She cited the example of US and Iran, two sworn enemies, who have recently ended hostilities and stitched a new phase of engagement. Giving wings to her father’s dream of making Suchetgarh JK’s Wagah, the Chief Minister said she will be delighted if the border town is promoted as a people-to-people meeting point with Sialkot, in Pakistan, across the International Border (IB).

She urged media to highlight the cultural camaraderie that exists between the people of India and Pakistan. "I wonder if hostilities can become news between the two neighbours, why can't cultural bonhomie," she asked.