SRINAGAR: Expressing optimism about the coming meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf in Havana, People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said both the leaders would begin a new chapter of peace.

"I sincerely hope that the two visionary leaders would never allow this opportunity to go waste and take courageous steps to bring the peace and composite dialogue process back on track," Mr. Sayeed said in a statement here on Tuesday.

"People of the sub-continent are looking up to the two leaders and I am sure they would not be disappointed," Mr. Sayeed said, adding that the worst-hit are the Jammu and Kashmir people, who have to pay an enormous price with their blood and lives for the continuing India-Pakistan conflict.

"I am sure the two leaders would not allow vested interests to disrupt the dialogue and peace process and act with determination on their resolve to carry ahead the mission of peace and prosperity for the region," Mr. Sayeed said. According to him, peace is not a choice but a necessity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Sayeed called for complete cessation of hostilities within the State to pave the way for peace and normality in tune with the people's yearnings.

He said there should be a free flow of ideas, goods and services across the Line of Control (LoC) to work out the ultimate peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem. To give a push to the peace process, he suggested various Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) including improved communication links across the LoC, resumption of air links, opening of more trans-LoC transit points, frequent and hassle-free movement of people and goods and cross exchange of tourists, pilgrims, students and faculties of universities.

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