JK minister for Ramzan ceasefire in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 9: A senior minister in the Congress-led coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir today appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and militant groups operating in the state to announce a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramzan.

Minister for Transport Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, who is also the chairman of Peoples' Democratic Front (PDF), said the ceasefire during the upcoming holy month of Ramzan between militants and troops will create a conducive atmosphere for the peace process. There has been an improvement in the situation and now there should be no hesitation inannouncing a ceasefire with the militants, he said, adding it would help in the dialogue process and settlement of the Kashmir issue.

Addressing a public gathering at Waterhail in the central Kashmir district of Budgam the minister reiterated that dialogue is the only way for settling of all issues and redressing of grievances, urging all leaders of the state to join the dialogue process.

Stressing the need for operating truck service on Srinagar- Muzaffarabad road, he said it would boost the economy of the state.

Calling for early implementation of the recommendations of the working groups constituted by the government to look into the problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said that the step will give further fillip to the development ushered in the political, economic and social fields during coalition governments' rule.

UNI