The People's Democratic Party patron, who met a cross section of Kashmiris from both sides of the divide in New York, told PTI that the peace process between India and Pakistan is irreversible as it is people-driven in both countries and that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue is inevitable.
"I am not saying that everything is going to happen suddenly or immediately," Sayeed, who is here as part of the Indian delegation to the United Nations, said.
"It could be a long process as there are bound to be setbacks on the way. But the movement is in the right direction," he added.
To resolve the Kashmir issue, he said he had suggested self-rule and the details of the proposal are being discussed and finalised. Replying to a question, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said he is calling for self-rule, which is within the Constitution.
One has to consider the realities and there is a need to think outside the box. Sayeed and the Kashmiri leaders with whom he held discussions said the ideas being discussed include Constitutional guarantees that the legislature elected by the people of the States would not be dissolved by the Central government and allowed to function for its term.
Sayeed said another idea being discussed is that the governor should be elected and not appointed by the Central government. The post could alternate between Jammu and Kashmir regions in the interest of harmony and to ensure that there is no discrimination between the regions.
Without commenting on specific proposals, he said the idea is to empower all regions and he would like similar arrangement on the both sides of the Line of Control. Asked whether Pakistan would agree to the arrangement made on the Indian side, he said it should be looked in the context that both sides as also Kashmiris want that the issue should be resolved.
For example, when the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service started, the two sides had done away with passport and visa requirements. He also advocated free trade between the two sides, saying that it is the aim of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement.
"Why not to make a start in Kashmir?" He said there is need for freer movement of the people. Sayeed said since he arrived here a week ago he had had held discussions with the Kashmiris from both sides as also Indian American organisations.
"All have welcomed the peace process between India and Pakistan and have also shown keen interest in the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.
The PDP patron praised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his efforts to carry forward the peace process with Pakistan. Asked whether acts of terrorism, which India says are sponsored by Pakistan would vitiate the atmosphere, he said these are temporary setbacks but overall, the process has made progress since former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated it.