<p>Mainstream as well as separatist parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday welcomed Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s decision to attend prime minister-designate Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“Very glad to hear Pak PM has accepted invite, shows that he can prevail over forces inimical to good relations with India,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on Twitter.<br /><br />“I hope this will mark a new beginning in ties between our two countries. The people of J&K will be watching closely.”<br /><br />In another message, he said, “Can't help feel sorry for others taking oath or attending because the only photo-op that will matter now will be the Modi-Sharif handshake.”<br /><br />In a re-tweet, while ridiculing Shiv Sena, Omar wrote: “Hahahaha good one “@zigzackly: Nawaz Sharif is coming? Shiv Sena will go dig up Rashtrapati Bhavan lawns on the 25th night?”<br /><br />Principal opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said the occasion would introduce a lot of “positivity” into the relations between the two neighbours.<br /><br />“Unfortunately, Kashmir has been the worst victim of the hostilities between the two,” she said in a statement. “While Modi’s initiative of inviting all SAARC leaders was a welcome step, the focus of attention remained as to how the Pakistan PM would respond to the invite.”<br /><br />“Nawaz Sharif by accepting the invitation has introduced an element of much needed positivity to Modi’s stint as the PM,” she added.<br /><br />Moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while hailing Sharif’s decision, expressed hope and confidence that the move will help in creating conducive atmosphere between the two countries.<br /><br />“It is a positive decision taken by Pakistan prime minister and the same is bound to create conducive atmosphere between the two countries. I feel this decision will help in harmonising relations between the two countries,” Mirwaiz told Deccan Herald.<br /><br />He hoped that the diplomatic gestures exhibited by Modi and Sharif will pave way in resolution of the Kashmir dispute. </p>
<p>Mainstream as well as separatist parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday welcomed Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s decision to attend prime minister-designate Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“Very glad to hear Pak PM has accepted invite, shows that he can prevail over forces inimical to good relations with India,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on Twitter.<br /><br />“I hope this will mark a new beginning in ties between our two countries. The people of J&K will be watching closely.”<br /><br />In another message, he said, “Can't help feel sorry for others taking oath or attending because the only photo-op that will matter now will be the Modi-Sharif handshake.”<br /><br />In a re-tweet, while ridiculing Shiv Sena, Omar wrote: “Hahahaha good one “@zigzackly: Nawaz Sharif is coming? Shiv Sena will go dig up Rashtrapati Bhavan lawns on the 25th night?”<br /><br />Principal opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said the occasion would introduce a lot of “positivity” into the relations between the two neighbours.<br /><br />“Unfortunately, Kashmir has been the worst victim of the hostilities between the two,” she said in a statement. “While Modi’s initiative of inviting all SAARC leaders was a welcome step, the focus of attention remained as to how the Pakistan PM would respond to the invite.”<br /><br />“Nawaz Sharif by accepting the invitation has introduced an element of much needed positivity to Modi’s stint as the PM,” she added.<br /><br />Moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while hailing Sharif’s decision, expressed hope and confidence that the move will help in creating conducive atmosphere between the two countries.<br /><br />“It is a positive decision taken by Pakistan prime minister and the same is bound to create conducive atmosphere between the two countries. I feel this decision will help in harmonising relations between the two countries,” Mirwaiz told Deccan Herald.<br /><br />He hoped that the diplomatic gestures exhibited by Modi and Sharif will pave way in resolution of the Kashmir dispute. </p>
