Mehbooba welcome Prime Ministers letter to Pak PM

By: Javaid Malik MK

Srinagar

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter to his counterpart in Pakistan seeking cordial ties in an atmosphere of trust. This is a big development in the subcontinent as the two countries are moving ahead in the recent peace process.

Both the countries after the ceasefire agreement have issued several statements showing the signs of thaw in the relationship and it was followed up with the Indus water commission meeting in New Delhi.

Kashmiri leadership has been welcoming all such developments between India and Pakistan and Mehbooba Mufti has praised PM Modi for his fresh efforts to reach out to Pakistan.

According to the TNS PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said that PM Modi reaching out to his Pakistani counterpart is a “step in the right direction”.

“As Vajpayee ji famously said, one can change his friends but not neighbors. I hope this leads to a process of dialogue and reconciliation. Kashmir needs healing,” she noted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan on the occasion of Pakistan National Day on March 23 saying India desired cordial ties with the people of Pakistan but that could only be achieved in an environment of trust devoid of terror.

In his letter dated March 22, PM Modi wrote to Khan, “On the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan, I extend greetings to the people of Pakistan. As a neighboring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative”.

The PM also took note of the challenges being exerted on nations by COVID 19 and said “at this difficult time for humanity, I would like to convey my best wishes to you and the people of Pakistan for dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

President Ram Nath Kovind separately wished Pakistan President Arif Alvi on the occasion.

With inputs from TNS