Expressing confidence that the recent terror strikes in Mumbai and the stepped up violence in Jammu and Kashmir would not strain Indo-Pak relations, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday credited the UPA under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with initiating the peace dialogue.
"Lot of work has been done by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to bring about a thaw in the relations between the two countries and create an atmosphere of peace and amity," Azad said at a public gathering at Keran in Kupwara district on Tuesday.
It was the confidence building approach that silenced the guns on the borders and created a tranquil and calm atmosphere in otherwise volatile border areas, he said.
The peaceful situation not only brought smiles on the faces of people living on the borders but also facilitated their livelihood, he said.
"Every restraint is being exercised and every step taken from this side of the border to help spread the message of love and brotherhood and settle issues in a friendly and conducive atmosphere but two hands are needed for clapping," he said.
"A reciprocal approach is imperative for strengthening the peace process," he said adding that "Creation of a peaceful atmosphere requires a change of mindset and sincere efforts on the ground."
{{/usCountry}}"A reciprocal approach is imperative for strengthening the peace process," he said adding that "Creation of a peaceful atmosphere requires a change of mindset and sincere efforts on the ground."
{{/usCountry}}In a message to residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir across the Kishanganga river, he said, "let the people across the LoC know that our message to them is of love, affection, brotherhood and peace. Let all of us cultivate seeds of peace and reap the fruits of development."