Frequency of bus service across LoC will increase: Azad

Jammu, Apr 21 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said the frequency of bus services on Poonch-Rawalakote would be decided in view of the large number of intending visitors from either side of Line of Control (LoC).

While addressing the people living on the border at Manjakote and Koteranka in Rajouri districts, Mr Azad articulated his firm belief in viability and effectiveness of dialogue to work out solution to issues.

''Third round-table conference on April 24 would be result-oriented and provide common platform to every shade of opinion from all over the state to put forth their views and discuss issues collectively,'' he said.

He said, Poonch-Rawalakote road not only fulfilled the desire of people but addressed humanitarian concerns as well, enabling large number of divided families residing on either side of LoC to meet.

''We have dismantled barriers between brothers and provided them ample opportunity to visit each other and spread the message of love and goodwill,'' he said.

Mr Azad informed, during past ten months, 579 persons from this side and 757 from across have travelled through this route and similarly, 132 persons from this side and 129 persons from across LoC visited via Balnoi route in Mendhar.

He said, the Government would also plead to simplify travel procedures, particularly in case of emergent situations like illness, death or marriage.

Lauding the courage and bravery of people of border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, Mr Azad said they had to bear the brunt of wars, border tensions and conflicts in the past.

Referring to the era of development that has dawned in the state, he said, The Central and state governments have launched an integrated development policy to cover all villages under road connectivity, drinking water schemes and electrification programme by 2010.

UNI