Situation favourable for JK resolution: Minister

Srinagar, Feb 15: The Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), a partner in the Jammu and Kashmir coalition government, today said the present situation in the sub-continent was supportive for the peaceful and permanent solution of all issues pending before India and Pakistan, especially Kashmir.

Addressing a public meeting here, chairman of the PDF and Minister for Transport Hakim Mohammad Yasin urged both the countries to take advantage of the conducive situation for the peace and prosperity of the region.

''The people of the state are yearning for peace and development. So they should be given a chance to avail of it,'' he said.

He emphasised for carrying forward the peace process and called for joint efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Mr Yasin underlined the need for improving Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and said the opening of more road links, meeting points and starting trade would help the two countries redress the grievances of people living across the Line-of-Control.

The Minister felicitated the people here for the clearance of Baglihar Power Project by the World Bank Neutral Expert, saying ''it is an award for the people of our state and the step will also help improve the atmosphere of the peace process in the state''.

He said the ''Roshni Act'' passed by the state Legislature in the just-concluded budget session was expected to improve the living standards of the farming class as the ownership rights for more than 16 lakh kanals of land would be vested to peasants of the state.

UNI