Peace talks with Pak to continue: Manmohan

Jammu, July 15: Wishing for the Line of Control (LOC) to transform into a 'line of peace' between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the peace talks with Islamabad will continue 'despite difficulties.' Dr Singh, while addressing a special convocation of the Jammu University, which conferred upon him the Degree of Letters, asserted that peace dialogue initiated between two countries would end the bitter relations of the last 60 years.

''The dialogue will begin a new chapter in our (India and Pakistan) bilateral relations,'' he said.

This terror-torn state of Jammu and kashmir, Dr Singh said, will soon become a symbol of cooperation between India and Pakistan while the LoC would be a line of peace rather than conflict.

On Indo-Pak, Dr Singh said, ''As I have stated earlier, borders cannot be changed, but they can be made irrelevant.'' Making it clear that there would be no further division of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said the LOC could be made a ''line of peace'' and open for people, ideas, goods and services between two sides. But for this, he said, ''militancy and violence have to end.'' Dr Singh, who was on a daylong visit to Jammu, assured that the Centre was committed for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Prime Minister appealed to the youth to help in building confidence between two neighbours. ''I believe young people, without any bitter memories, and full of hope and energy, are the ones who can lead the change,'' he said. The round table conferences, Dr Singh said, had provided an effective platform to the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir for addressing all the concerns of the people in the region.

Without naming the separatist leadership of Kashmir, the Prime Minister regretted for those who boycotted the round table conference. He, however, hoped that they would realise the significance of round table process and join it in future.

The UPA-led central government had convened three round table conferences to discuss Kashmir issue.

Jammu University has now become the first varsity in the country to bestow a doctorate degree on the Prime Minister.

Earlier, Dr Singh laid the foundation stone of a 4,200-flat satellite township for the displaced Kashmiri Pandits at Jagti, about 15 km from the City.

UNI

Related Stories

Manmohan Singh to receive Hony D Litt from JU tomorrow
Tight security for PM's visit to Jammu on Jul 15
In-focus: Kashmir Burning>