The People's Democratic Front on Wednesday described the agreement between India and Pakistan to run a bus service between Srinagar [Images] and Muzaffarabad as historic.

It would help speed up the peace process, PDF chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen told PTI.

"It has been a long-standing demand of the people from either side of the line of control as there are many divided families across it," Yaseen said.

Muzaffarabad bus service from April 7

He said people from across the political spectrum had rooted for the launching of the bus service. "The Hurriyat Conference has been seeking permission to travel to the other side, but what is important is that right from the day the coalition assumed power in the state, it has pressed for an early opening," Yaseen said.

The PDF is part of the ruling coalition in the state,

He said the move was of immense importance to the peace process between India and Pakistan as 'one of the biggest stumbling block has been removed'.

"It is time now for the Hurriyat Conference and other groups in the state to contribute their bit to resolve the Kashmir problem. The Centre should also initiate unconditional dialogue with all groups concerned who should respond positively," the PDF leader said.