Poonch (J&K): Stating that the walls of hatred between India and Pakistan are gradually collapsing with ceasefire on the borders, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today (Dec 3) hoped that it would "narrow down the widened gulf" paving way for lasting peace in the region.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Panjari in the district, he described the ceasefire as a major initiative taken by the two countries to begin a new chapter of peace and tranquillity.

Sayeed said the decision for restoring air link and holding discussions later this month on resuming train services would be another important confidence building measure between the two countries.

He said the objective of opening Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Suchetgarh-Sialkot roads was to help divided families in meeting each other that would create a more conducive atmosphere for friendship and lasting peace. He said possibilities should also be explored for opening such a road link from Poonch as well in due course of time.

The Chief Minister said the relaxation in the situation and peace on the borders would certainly ease the problems of the people of the border areas, who had to suffer due to border shelling. "Our people have suffered immensely due to confrontation between the two neighbours," he added.

Sayeed launched a Rs seven-crore rehabilitation project for 541 Balakote families uprooted due to 2001 border build-up.

PTI