Azad hopes Indo-Pak talks will yield positive results

Jammu, Jan 8 (UNI) Expressing satisfaction over the functioning five Working Groups announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to look into various issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said recommendations from all the groups are expected to be finalised within next two months and submitted to the Prime Minister.

Talking to reporters in the Central Legislative Hall, Mr Azad hoped the talks between External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Pakistani counterpart would carry forward the dialogue process between the two countries to settle all issues amicably.

He said during his meeting with Foreign Minister he stressed the need for taking up the issue of opening more trans-border and trans-LoC routes along J&K to further strengthen Confidence Building Measures.

Mr Azad said Dr Singh's predecessor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated the dialogue policy with Pakistan and the Congress then in opposition extended its full support to the government.

''To work against ones own initiative is not befitting. We should think above all political considerations and work for peace and development. Bigger parties should have bigger hearts and minds and think big for the interests of the country,'' he maintained.

Referring to the preponing of budget session, CM said it would provide ample opportunity to legislators and government machinery to be available to monitor and implement development schemes during the crucial months of February, March and April which otherwise used to be consumed in legislature business leaving development scenario unattended at the ground level.

He said the three points on Line of Control (LoC) --Kargil to Skardu, Nowshera to Mirpur and Suchetgarh to Sialkote-- should be opened for the divided families of the either side After the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffrabad and Poonch-Rawalakote routes, thousands crossed the LOC to meet their parted relatives after about half-century, he said.

''During my recent visit to New Delhi, I talked to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and urged him to raise the opening of routes during his Pakistan visit, as these could be helpful in resolving Kashmir issue'' Mr Azad said.

Replying to a question the Chief Minister said the union government should respond to the proposals of Pakistan President General Parvez Musarraf seriously.

''We hope Pranab Mukherjee will convey something in this regard to Islamabad during his forthcoming visit to Pakistan,'' the chief minister said.

UNI