NEW DELHI, Oct 10: Former chief minister of occupied Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that despite obstacles and occasional hiccups, the peace process between Pakistan and India should continue.

“This is the only way to resolve mutual differences, improve the security environment and ensure welfare and happiness of the people of two countries,” he maintained during a meeting with All India Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday.

Mr Sayeed hailed the stand of Mrs Gandhi of extending support and cooperation to the reconciliation process for the larger goal of the betterment of the region’s people.

Expressing satisfaction over the functioning of the alliance between the Congress and the PDP, both the leaders resolved to carry ahead the association to empower the democratic institutions and facilitate complete return of peace and prosperity to the state.

The PDP leader said the coalition government had articulated people’s aspirations in a responsive and responsible manner making them repose their trust and faith in the democratic institutions. “This rejuvenating and hopeful political movement in J&K was not only understood and appreciated by the country’s leadership but even Pakistan acknowledged this change,” he said, adding that there was now an urgency to consolidate the change by taking tangible measures to address the problem with political will and determination.

He said resumption of dialogue with Pakistan was a significant and positive move towards consolidation of the peace process.

Expressing satisfaction over the meeting, Mr Sayeed said Mrs Gandhi wanted to see an immediate end to the human tragedies in Jammu and Kashmir so that the people in the state could prosper with their counterparts in other parts of the country.—APP