Srinagar, Mar 02:  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti  Tuesday said that after a ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control and other sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC ) meeting if held in Pakistan.

Talking to reporters, on the sidelines of a day-long convention, in Anantnag, Mehbooba underlining the changing geopolitical scenario expressed hope that GOI will seize the opportunity awarded by the impending SAARC summit that is likely to provide a window of opportunity to pick up the threads of dialogue and peace process between India and Pakistan.

“Geopolitically a lot has happened over the last couple of months. The country is meaningfully engaging with China and steps have been taken to strengthen the ceasefire mechanism with Pakistan. The SAARC summit could soon convene in Pakistan and I hope that the Prime Minister participates in it," she said. "It could be the opportunity to revitalize the ties and jumpstart the peace process through dialogue. That is what people of Jammu and Kashmir are yearning for."

On February 25, Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact.

As per the joint statement, both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021.

Earlier, while addressing senior party workers, Mehbooba said New Delhi should not shy away from engaging with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The road to peace in the subcontinent traverses through Kashmir, dialogue and reconciliation being the only meaningful mechanism to resolve the impending issues and catapult the region out of a vortex of misery and uncertainty," Mehbooba said.

“Many people are ill at ease when I advocate the restoration of our constitutional rights and speak for the resumption of the dialogue process. But since when has articulating legitimate demands of our people and seeking resolution for peace become a crime? If not the Government of India, who else do the people of Jammu and Kashmir turn to,” Mehbooba said.