Describing dialogue as the only means to sort out issues and end the culture of violence, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday hoped that people from all shades of opinion in Jammu & Kashmir would join the dialogue process initiated in the state.

In her message to the people on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day, the CM said dialogue is the only way by which the culture of violence in the state could be ended.

She said she has been pleading for initiation of dialogue in the state and expressed happiness that the Centre, agreeing to her suggestion, appointed Dineshwar Sharma as the interlocutor.

She said the appointment of Sharma is a major development to ensure durable peace in the state rather than a temporary measure to calm down tempers as happened in the past.

Expressing concern on the situation along the border which has led to huge loss of life and property, Mehbooba hoped Prime Minister Narendra Modi, using his stature and wisdom, would pace up his efforts in this regard so that the state becomes a bridge of peace between the two countries, ending the bitter phase of acrimony between them.

Noting with satisfaction that fascination for violence is declining among youth, she said parents, friends and even social media are playing their role in dissuading them from slipping into a path where death and destruction are the only end results. She said though all over the world the ill-effects of violence are fairly pronounced now, the people of Jammu & Kashmir have been the immediate witnesses and victims of violence.

Terming peace an imperative for executing developmental and welfare initiatives of her government, Mehbooba Mufti sought support from people. “If peace prevails, developmental and welfare measures can take off, tourists can come, investment can happen and also new political initiatives can materialize”, she said in her message.

The Chief Minister expressed happiness that the people of the state have maintained the culture of brotherhood, amity and friendship among themselves.

She said it was encouraging to note that Jammu has emerged as an abode of this culture where people from all regions, faiths and cultural diversities are living. “I compliment the citizens of this city who have exemplified themselves as a tolerant society in the present-day world where hatred and suspicion have taken the centre stage”, she said in her message.