Calling Gujarat 'model of development', Mufti urges for peace in J-K

Newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Sunday called for peace in the state, adding that only an end to violence can help the region prosper like the 'model of development', Gujarat.

"To make Jammu and Kashmir a model of development like Gujarat, we need peace. We have received the mandate to get people together. We have the support of Jammu. We want to make the BJP-PDP alliance a turning point in trying to meet the hearts and minds of the people," Sayeed said at a press conference following his oath taking ceremony.

Sayeed said the new government would be willing to talk to separatist leaders but added that it was upto the latter to decide if they wanted to be a part of the democratic process.

"We urge the Government of India to initiate a dialogue with people of Jammu and Kashmir. We want to do justice to all people. Let us take the opinion of separatists as well: they also have a view point. [Former separatist leader] Sajad Lone has taken the initiative. The others have to decide whether they will be a part of the democratic process or not," he said.

Terming the Valley a 'problem since 1947', Sayeed further stated that he had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be friendly with Pakistan.

"Kashmir has been a problem for every Prime Minister of India since 1947. When I met Prime Minister Modi, I said that we should be friends with Pakistan," he added.

Earlier in the day, Sayeed took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir for the second time in his political career.

BJP leader Nirmal Singh also took oath as the state's deputy chief minister.

They were administered the oath of office by Governor NN Vohra at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and party veteran L K Advani were among those who attended the ceremony.