Jammu: The wranglings between India and Pakistan at the UN General Assembly were a "setback" to the peace process but the two countries have no option except to normalise their ties through dialogue, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said on September 29.

Addressing a massive provincial conference of his People's Democratic Party (PDP) workers, the Mufti said the "unfortunate developments" at the UN have "greatly disappointed" the people of Jammu and Kashmir who were looking towards improved Indo-Pak ties with great hope of a solution to the Kashmir problem.

These developments have given a setback to the process of normalisation between two countries, he said, adding India and Pakistan have to continue with the peace process "as there is no option except dialogue".

"However, I am confident that our Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who is a crusader for peace and known for his statesmanship, would not under these circumstances withdraw the hand of friendship that he very boldly extended to Pakistan from the soil of Kashmir in April last. I am sure our Prime Minister is not on the defensive," he said.

Vajpayee's courageous move had kindled a new hope among the people of the state for finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir imbroglio, he said and added it had given a "great opening" to the sub- continent for lasting peace after a long, agonising and traumatic spell of confrontation.

PTI