Prime Minister flags off Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus

Amritsar, Mar 24 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today flagged off the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib bus service, hoping that the initiative would further strengthen relations between India and Pakistan.

In his address before the flagging off ceremony, the Prime Minister reaffirmed making the borders between the two countries irrelevant and called for a sustained dialouge with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues, including Siachen and Sir Creek.

He also said that ground realties should be understood by both the governments and efforts made to improve living conditions in the two countries.

Describing the launching of the bus service as ''historic'' which would link the holiest Sikh shrines in both the countries, he said it would further contribute to improving relations between India and Pakistan.

He appreciated Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's role in making the bus service a reality.

He also lauded Gen Musharraf's role in the fight against terrorism but emphasised that much more need to be done.

UNI RB SK AT KP1210