Omar, Mehbooba welcome Sharif accepting Modi's invite

Srinagar, May 24 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Saturday welcomed the decision of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to attend Indian Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi's oath taking ceremony.

"Very glad to hear Pakistan's prime minister has accepted the invite, it shows that he can prevail over forces inimical to good relations with India," Omar tweeted after he came to know that Sharif has decided to attend Modi's oath taking ceremony.

"I hope that this will mark a new beginning in ties between the two countries. The people of Jammu and Kashmir will be watching it closely."

"Can't help feeling sorry for others, who will take oath or attend the function because the only photo that will matter now will be the Modi-Sharif handshake," he said.

Leader of Opposition Mehbooba Mufti told reporters here: "The SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) relations have always been hostaged by India-Pakistan acrimony."

"We are hopeful as the decision to invite Pakistan prime minister by Modi and its acceptance by Sharif is a positive development," said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief.

"It will pave the way for peace and development in the region. We also believe these developments will ultimately lead to Kashmir resolution."