Keran (J&K): Good relations between India
and Pakistan are imperative for peace and development and both
countries should join hands to fight terrorism and help
cultivate peace for larger interests of people, Jammu and
Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
Asserting that the state always had been a recipient of
the dividends of thaw in Indo-Pak relations, Omar underlined
the need for free trade and travel across the LoC to enhance
economic activities and broad-base people’s interactions.
Addressing a well-attended public meeting in this
border village, the chief minister stressed on brotherly
Indo-Pak relations and said dialogue between the two countries
in a friendly atmosphere will pave the way for settling all
issues and contributing for lasting peace in the
sub-continent.
"In the last 60 years, we have witnessed three and half
wars between the two countries without yielding any positive
result. This highlights the need for addressing the issues
peacefully," he said.
The chief minister said the bad affects of gun and
violence have engulfed Pakistan and there is immediate need
for that country to join hands with India to fight terrorism
and help cultivate peace for larger interests of the two
peoples.
Omar welcomed the Centre`s recognition of the fact that
the accession of the state to India had taken place under
unique circumstances, necessitating addressing of political
issues of the state in a special manner.
He also welcomed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s
statement on the issue of autonomy and said time has provided
a historic opportunity to the people of the state to take the
advantage of this.
On the present law and order situation in some parts of
the Valley, he said stone pelting and violence will never
prove prudent for anyone to ventilate his opinion and stress
on the issues.
"We have undergone a saga of militancy and we know it has
yielded nothing for us," he said and appealed to all shades of
the people to help restore normalcy and work for peaceful
settlement of political issues on table.
"When dialogue process is available, why to resort to
stone-pelting and hartals?" he said.
"We have promised to be facilitators in the talks at
internal and external levels and my government is actively
involved in it," he added.
The chief minister expressed sorrow over the economic
losses in recent torrential rains in this border area and said
government will take every measure to rehabilitate affected
families. He announced six months ration for the affected
families and special recruitment drive for the youth of the
area.
PTI
