Peace process with Pak will yield good results: Azad

Kupwara, Feb 23 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the ongoing peace process with Pakistan will ultimately yield good results in the sub-continent.

Addressing a first public meeting in this border district, once of the hub of militants, Mr Azad said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Sonia Gandhi has taken necessary steps for fostering the ongoing peace process with Pakistan.

He said the steps taken in this behalf have yielded good results.

Mr Azad said Jammu and Kashmir during the last 58 years has witnessed a saga of differences and tension telling upon badly on progress and development process in the state.

''Now a policy has been initiated to give a fillip to development programmes and take the state on a par with other developed states of the country and pursue the policy of dialogue to settle the dust of confusion and create a peaceful Jammu and Kashmir,'' he said.

Mr Azad said the UPA government has also taken several measures to promote friendship and the thaw in relations with the neighbouring country of Pakistan is evident.

He said the peace process will positively change the overall scenario in both the countries and would help prioritise development.

UNI BAS YA SSC1212