Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today (Jan 25, 2004) expressed hope that the decision by India and Pakistan to begin composite dialogue on issues including Kashmir and the "positive attitude" in talks between Centre and the Hurriyat will bring lasting peace to the militancy-torn State.

Extending his warm greetings to the people on 55th Republic Day, Sayeed said people of Jammu and Kashmir have a stake in these initiatives and they are instrumental in creating an atmosphere that facilitated peace process.

He said it was the people of Kashmir who suffered most due to the confrontation between India and Pakistan.

Hailing the talks between Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and the Hurriyat, Sayeed said the positive attitude of both the sides had strengthened the hope of early peace and solution of the Kashmir issue.

"A good beginning has been made to address the internal dimension. As the process progresses, other sections, which are keeping away would also be inclined to join it," he said in an apparent reference to Geelani-led breakaway faction.

Sayeed said his Government has always been advocating that more than anything, the Centre must talk to its own people in the State.

Terming the Assembly elections held in the state in 2002 as "historic", Sayeed said that the polls manifested "people's yearning for peace and silent voice against the gun that has ruined the State in the last 14 years".

Sayeed said his Government's steps, including the healing touch policy for bringing back normalcy in the State have been widely acclaimed.