Azad calls on PM; discuss political, security situation

New Delhi, July 4 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here and discussed several issues, including the current political and security situation in the state.

During the hour-and-a-half-meeting, Mr Azad apprised Dr Singh of the formation of five working groups, announced at the end of the second roundtable in Srinagar on May 25, and appointments of the committee heads.

Sources said the Chief Minister also told Dr Singh that major political parties of Jammu and Kashmir and different ethnic and regional groups have submitted their lists of the members for inclusion in five working groups.

''Mr Azad conveyed the peoples' hope that with the successful start of truck service on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for carrying goods on either side of the border, the economy of the state shall get a new flip,'' they added.

The Prime Minister assured Mr Azad of full support in revival of economy and trade in the state.

''Mr Azad was assured that funds will not come in the way for creation of proper developmental infrastructure in the state which has suffered severely during last 18 years as a result of turmoil,'' they added.

The Prime Minister was also informed about the progress made in various developmental works undertaken through double shifts system started in the state from May 21.

The Chief Minister today held meetings with two head of the working groups -- Mohammad Amin Ansari and Naresh Chander Saxena.

UNI NR PR RN2132