Knee-jerk reaction could jeopardise region's stability: Mufti

Fearing any critical fallout in Indo-Pak relations and any halt in the ongoing peace process following the aftermath of the Mumbai mayhem, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that the attacks in Mumbai not only present a security challenge to the country, but it is also a testing time for the leadership of India and Pakistan to promote peace talk and greater cooperation.

In a press statement, he said: "In this depressing scenario, sub-continent's security and stability would largely depend on how the leadership of India and Pakistan confronts the challenge."

Earlier while addressing a series of election rallies in Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP patron said the people of the State have already rejected violence and they have time and again reposed their faith in the peaceful and democratic means for the resolution of political problems.

Emphasising on the bilateral talk between both the neighbours and the possible impact of the recent attacks, Sayeed said that the peace process has already moved ahead considerably and it would be disastrous if we fall into the trap laid by the enemies of peace.

Calling for a joint and more constructive response from both India and Pakistan, Sayeed made it clear that any knee-jerk reaction would not only jeopardize the region’s security and peace, but could meet the evil will of those who don’t want peace between the neighbours.

"Our challenge is to go ahead with cooperation and step up vigil for future," Sayeed said and added that the political leadership and the civil society of the two countries must act with wisdom and do not allow the hawkish rhetoric to spoil the gains of the peace process.

"The situation necessitates inclusive engagement of the people, in both the countries, in the renewed peace efforts by expanding and consolidating the confidence building process," he said.