London: Hoping that the recent Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be a step in a broader process that will bring peace in the region, Britain on November 6 said as a follow-up, terrorism should be put to an end and India and Pakistan should begin the process of greater contact.

"We now need to ensure that there is an end to terrorism and a beginning of a process of greater contact between the countries. In due course, I hope that it will be possible to hold discussions that will lead to a peaceful settlement of the disputes, including those in relation to Kashmir," Britain's Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mike O'Brien, said in the House of Commons.

Replying to specific questions raised by Dari Taylor and Andrew Love on his assessment of the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir, O'Brien said despite high levels of violence and intimidation during the elections, the "Indian Election Commission has made strenuous efforts to deliver free and fair elections. Many Kashmiris chose to participate. We hope that the election will be a step in a broader process that will bring peace to the region."

The tension between India and Pakistan had reduced in recent weeks, O'Brien said.

He recalled his recent visit to New Delhi coinciding with India's announcement of its intention to re-deploy forces from the border and said, "That is certainly to be welcomed."

Pakistan responded by announcing return to barracks of some of its forces. There has been a broad welcome for that de-escalation by both sides.

PTI