PM's invite to Pak PM, historic: Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Mar 29: Terming as "historic" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invite to his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said relations between the two countries have a direct bearing on the state.

He expressed the hope that the outcome of the match would not have any impact on Indo-Pak dialogue process and relations.

"Our PM has taken a historic step by inviting Pak PM to Mohali (to watch Indo-Pak World cup semi-final cricket match tomorrow)", Omar told reporters at a function here.

"We hope that Jammu and Kashmir would benefit from the dialogue process which has been brought back to rails", he said adding "I had repeatedly said that relation between India and Pakistan have a direct bearing on Jammu and Kashmir, unlike any other state of the country".

Recalling that after the Mumbai terror attack had soured Indo-Pak relations, they were slowly improving and "I hope that in the days to come they will be further strengthened".

"When relations between the two neighbours are cordial, Jammu and Kashmir gets the optimum benefit", he said and expressed the hope that the resumption of talks between the two countries would move forward in smooth and conducive atmosphere.

PTI