Tuesday, April 12 2005 09:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Hoping for more measures like the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service, Britain yesterday (Apr 11, 2005) hit out at militants for trying to disrupt the latest peace effort between India and Pakistan as its High Commissioner in New Delhi began a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Sir Michael Arthur will meet Jammu and Kashmir Governor S K Sinha, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma and Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig during his visit.

He will also have discussions with representatives of political parties, security forces, civil society and businesspersons.

Lauding the efforts of India and Pakistan to give a fillip to the peace process by starting the bus service, he said the vast majority of Kashmiris living on both sides of Line of Control (LoC) have welcomed the move.

"I congratulate the Governments of India and Pakistan for their flexibility and vision, which have turned the bus into a reality, as well as the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for its persistence in lobbying for it," Arthur said here ahead of his visit.

"I hope that all those involved will be able to build on this first step and agree to more such measures in the future," Arthur said adding he was looking forward to seeing "first-hand" developments that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir since his visit there in March 2004.

Underlining the need of more measures for peace, he said the Kashmir problem had to be resolved through political means.

"For a decade and a half, ordinary Kashmiris have suffered massive disruption to their lives. It is clear, now more than ever, that violence will never solve the region's problems. Only a credible political process can do this."

"Last week's attacks (on bus passengers) showed that the militants are out of touch with the wishes of ordinary Kashmiris," Arthur said.

He said that he was eager to hear more about the economy and governance in the State.