Stating that peace was "prerequisite" for development, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today strongly pitched for reconciliation with Pakistan.

"Peace is prerequisite to development, peace means reconciliation with our neighbours," Sayeed told the Assembly in his concluding speech on the last day of Budget Session.

"We cannot dictate the government of India with regard to its foreign policy but we say that reconciliation with Pakistan is prerequisite for peace and development," he said. Mufti said Pakistan had shown some sincerity when it helped rescue Indians who were stranded in war-torn Yemen.

"Pakistan brought our people out from Yemen and sent them back to India through Karachi," he said. He said the mandate given to BJP in Jammu, Congress in Ladakh and to PDP in Kashmir Valley has provided a historic opportunity to bring people together.