Welcoming the joint statement of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in New York, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Thursday appealed to militants to give peace a chance in view of the ongoing serious efforts to address the Kashmir problem.

"Jammu and Kashmir having been a bone of contention between the two neighbouring countries is destined to become a bridge of friendship between the two sides," Sayeed told reporters in Srinagar.

Describing as a significant step the commitment expressed by the two leaders to ensure peaceful settlement of all pending issues, including that of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister hoped this would lead to lasting peace and end the miseries of the people of the state.

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