Dismantle terrorist camps in PoK: PM asks Musharraf

Jammu, Dec 23: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha has asked Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to dismantle terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Talking to newspersons during his visit to Poonch yesterday, Gen Sinha said India is open to proposals from Pakistan on Kashmir issue, but added that joint control over the strife-torn state seems to be impractical.

''The General will have to demonstrate his sincerity by dismantling the terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and other parts of Pakistani territory,'' he said.

''I don't think there can be a consensus on joint supervision but the process of dialogue is on with Pakistan as well as on the domestic front through Round Table Conferences,'' he said, adding working groups were continuously meeting to address different dimensions of the issue.

While talking about the confidence building measures (CBMs) between the two countries, Gen Sinha expressed the hope that the ensuing visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Pakistan will help in clearing various issues.

''More roads needed to be opened and trade ties were started for economic betterment of the people on the two sides of the LoC.

After the opening of the Poonch-Rawalakot and Uri-Muzaffarabad routes, Pakistan has not so far responded to the opening of Jammu-Sialkote and Kargil-Skardu routes,'' he added.

UNI