Omar, Mehbooba hail Modi's move to invite Sharif

“For that, the friendship with Pakistan and an understanding with that country is the essential first step ... Modi with a strong mandate at his back is in a commanding position to take major initiatives (for peace) without facing any hurdle from the traditional hecklers,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq hoped that the invitation to the Pakistan Prime Minister for the swearing in would lead to sustained dialogue between the two countries.

“Hurriyat Conference welcomes this gesture and it has been our stand that if India and Pakistan come closer and there is an increase in confidence, it is a good sign. Unless

both the countries come closer there will be no solution to Kashmir issue,” Mirwaiz told reporters here.

He said that the expectation was that the new government at the Centre would focus on the resolution of the Kashmir issue on a priority basis.

“We hope it is not limited to sending out invitations (and) both countries should initiate a sustained dialogue and involve Kashmiri leadership for finding an everlasting solution to the issue,” he said.