Madhukar Gupta crosses over to Pak for talks

Attari-Wagah, Nov 24 (UNI) Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta today crossed over to Pakistan through this road checpost to hold the second level of talks with Pakistani officials on security matters.

Mr Gupta is accompanied by his wife and two senior officials of the Central Government.

"Security of the region is of paramount importance for promoting development and trade in the region", he said shortly before crossing the Radcliffe Line.

The talks are a continuation of the Confidence Building Measures (CBM's) and the first Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan on security matters was held in July this year, he said.

Before crossing over to Pakistan, Mr Gupta presented gifts to the Pakistan Rangers. He was welcomed by officials of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan and senior officials of the Pakistan government.

UNI XC-HS MMS1508