Act in responsible manner, Tarigami urges India, Pak

Jammu, Dec 9 (UNI) Lauding the "positive changes" in the Indo-Pak relations, senior CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami today urged the leaderships of both the countries to ''pick up courage and act in responsible manner'' to solve the long-pending issues.

Talking to UNI, Mr Tarigami called for greater co-operation between the India and Pakistan, which resumed peace process last month after a four-month interruption.

He expressed hope that the present peace process would come out with results ''if both the neighbours act in a responsible manner''.

On Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf's willingness to give up his country's claim on Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Tarigami said this ''little more flexibility'' was due to the Pakistani people's urge for peace and good relations with India.

''The recent statement by General Musharraf on Kashmir was a positive indication and both the neighbours should not lose this opportunity,'' he said on the sideline of a function.

''Silent majority (both in Pakistan and India) wants peace in the region,'' Mr Tarigami added.

Asserting that the national interest lies with in social and economical development of the country, the CPI M leader said, ''It is a time to act and act firmly. The leaders of both the side must pick up courage and must act in responsible manner''.

He, however, warned both the countries not to get distracted by the vested interests, saying ''they will never understand the situation.'' UNI VJ VD BD1721