SRINAGAR, Jan 19: Sonia Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, on Monday voiced support for Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's peace moves with Pakistan.

"We have supported Prime Minister Vajpayee's peace initiative hoping that it will end violence in (occupied) Kashmir," Sonia Gandhi said at a meeting of intellectuals and political leaders in held Jammu.

"I am optimistic about the outcome of talks and our party has right from the beginning supported the Indian government's peace initiative. We are for peace in the Sub-continent and if it is possible through talks we welcome them." Sonia Gandhi, 56, began a rare two-day visit to occupied Kashmir on Monday and was expected to discuss strategy for elections.-AFP