Biggest CBM ever, says PDP; Hurriyat welcomes, says we will decide on talks

‘‘It is a major step,’’ Sayeed told The Indian Express. ‘‘In fact, even such a thought generates confidence. We are delighted.’’

‘‘It indicates that the Prime Minister is very keen to resolve this problem. It will have an immensely positive impact on relations with Pakistan and will generate a lot of hope and confidence among people in our state.’’

Mufti said he hoped this would help bring the separatists back to the negotiating table. ‘‘I am happy but I wish the dialogue with the Hurriyat had continued. They, too, would then have taken credit for such a serious confidence-building measure,’’ he said.

Mufti’s daughter and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called it an ‘‘Eid gift’’ from the Prime minister to Kashmir. ‘‘This is the biggest confidence-building measure ever announced in Kashmir,’’ she said. ‘‘You have seen the impact of the ceasefire on the borders but this measure is more important because it will have a positive impact on the internal situation in the state.’’ She said this takes the CBMs between the two countries to a new level. ‘‘Now we are moving towards a real and meaningful peace process.’’

Hurriyat moderates were a little more guarded in their welcome. ‘‘This is a positive step,’’ said former Hurriyat Chairman Maulvi Abbas Ansari.

‘‘But this measure should not remain limited to the borders only. It should have its positive impact on the people living in the state’’. ‘‘The reduction in numbers will not help if the forces don’t change their behaviour,’’ Ansari said in a reference to the recent rape.

When asked if the decision will help resume their stalled dialogue with the Centre, Ansari said: ‘‘We are meeting soon after Eid and we will discuss it.’’

Another executive leader, Bilal Lone, too welcomed PM’s statement. ‘‘It is a good sign and we hope it will lead to further measures to resolve the Kashmir issue.’’

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who leads the Hurriyat doves, is said to have reserved his reaction for tomorrow when he addresses people at the Jamia Masjid on the occasion of the last Friday of the fasting month of Ramzan.

The National Conference, too, welcomed the decision but, like the Hurriyat, sought clarifications. ‘‘We welcome it. We want this troop reduction to be carried out inside the state, especially in the Valley so that its impact is felt by the people,’’ NC President Omar Abdullah said.