Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today (Nov 7) said Pakistani leadership was afraid of opening road links between his State and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as it would "expose" the neighbouring country's propaganda.

Addressing a public meeting, he said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 12-point peace package "is a historic opportunity to Pakistan to restore peace and they must seize it for lasting peace in the region".

The Chief Minister said Pakistan has principally agreed to India's proposal for road link between Uri and Muzzaffarabad, but has put a rider, which is not acceptable.

"Pakistan seems to be afraid of restoration of the road links. Obviously, when the people across the border will come here to meet their relations, they will see the ground realities of our vibrant democracy in Jammu and Kashmir which would defeat the Pakistani propaganda," he said.

Sayeed said the Prime Minister's proposal to operate bus service from Uri to Muzzaffarabad is the biggest confidence-building measure and it would help in connecting the hearts of people of both sides.

A similar road link between Suchetgarh to Sialkote needs to be restored for the convenience of the people of both the sides, he said.

PTI