India proposes to Pakistan to open LoC for trade from Oct 1

New Delhi, Sep 4 (UNI) In an attempt to give a fresh impetus to the peace process, India has proposed to Pakistan to open the Line of Control (LoC) for trade from October 1.

"Several rounds of talks have taken place between our two countries and our proposal for opening the LoC trade from October 1, has been forwarded to Pakistan and we are awaiting their response. Other necessary steps will be followed up as soon as we receive their response,'' External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in an interview with the All India Radio here today.

The Minister said India was holding talks with Pakistan on opening of the trade links between the two parts of Jammu and Kashmir for quite some time.''We are also thinking of new routes.'' He rubbished the claim that these measures were taken in view of recent developments in the state ."It has nothing to do with contemporary events".

Asked about steps being taken to end the crisis in the Valley, Mr Mukherjee said this could be resolved through negotiations and talks. However,he hastened to add that it is for the Home Ministry to decide whom to invite for negotiations On Indo-U S nuclear deal, the Minister said," We have already stated our commitment. We cannot go beyond our commitment to Parliament.'' He said if the Nuclear Suppliers Group clears the waiver for India, the U S Congress will take up the matter around September end.

UNI SMA RP HT1714