Azad calls on Patil, Lalu

New Delhi, Jan 5 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today called on Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil here and discussed the progress of the five working groups announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Kashmir.

An official spokesperson said both the leaders expressed satisfaction on the working of Working Groups and progress made with regard to their terms of reference.

At the end of the second roundtable in Srinagar in May 2006, Dr Singh had constituted the five working groups to workout recommendations with regard to various issues pertaining to the state.

Mr Azad also held a meeting with Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and discussed the inauguration of the Railway line from Qazigund to Baramulla in March-April.

He urged for giving priority to youth from Jammu and Kashmir in employment opportunities created in the Railways particularly whose land had been acquired by the ministry.

During his meeting with Mr Patil, the Chief Minister sought central help in granting migrant status, at par with Kashmiri migrants, to displaced people from Doda, Udhampur and other areas of the Jammu division who have migrated on account of militancy.

He emphasised the need for immediate central assistance for providing free ration to the migrants from the strife-torn state.

''The judiciary has time and again directed that the migrants should be treated at par with Kashmiri migrants,'' he added.

Yesterday evening, Mr Azad called on the Prime Minister and appealed to transfer 390 MW Dulhasti Hydro Electric Power Project, being commissioned within the next two months, to Jammu and Kashmir.

UNI