Srinagar, Mar 3 (KNS): The strict observance of LoC ceasefire agreement between and Pakistan followed by reports of ending of house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq suggests a new beginning to give peace a chance in J&K.
Political observers say that the Central Government may take some more relief measures for the people of J&K after conducting the successful District Development Council elections.
Soon after the conclusion of DDC elections, the first major confidence building measure was restoration of 4G internet connectivity.
"It was followed by the visit of foreign envoy delegation and their interaction with cross section of society," a political analyst told KNS, " it was soon followed by the ceasefire agreement observance. This is going to be a series of confidence building initiatives this year."
They added that ending the house arrest of Chief Priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is just a beginning and GOI will reach out to other political groups also in near future.
The recent confidence building initiatives have been well received by the people of Kashmir and political parties have been demanding some relief measures from GOI after peaceful DDC elections.
Senior Journalist and Political Commentator Shafkat Bukhari talking to KNS said, "Though even naives can’t draw a conclusion that whether the restoration of 4 G mobile internet services and the new ceasefire agreement with Pakistan is the result of bilateral backchannel contacts with that country or the unbelievable intervention by new US administration , but one irrefutable reality that holds key to successful implementation of new ceasefire agreement with Pakistan is
the restoration of sustained diplomatic engagements between New Delhi and Islamabad for the purposes of the normalisation of India-Pakistan relations".
Speaking to KNS, Chairman Hoteliors Club Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya said Peace is in the interests of the world particularly people of Kashmir.
"Peace should be encouraged. We already suffered a lot due to turmoil."
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) President Sheikh Ashiq said it is a good beginning and hopes that India and Pakistan resolve all issues.
"When peace comes, prosperity comes, business flourishes. This is a positive development. It is a good beginning. It will also provide relief to the people of Kashmir particularly those living on border areas. We hope that both countries will sort out all the issues," he said.
Professor Nasir Mirza who teaches at Media Department of Kashmir University and is keen Kashmir watcher says confidence building measures will provide relief to the people.
"Development is possible only in peace. People of Kashmir welcome the confidence building measures. People of border areas suffered a lot due to shelling. Human life is precious. It is good that with these initiatives people will get some relief," he told KNS.
President Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) Shahid Kamili welcomed the confidence building measures and says peace will help in florushing the industry which has been struggling due to unfavorable conditions.(KNS)