NSA-level talks will help ease tension between two nations: PDP

Jammu, Aug 18: The Ruling Peoples Democratic Party today expressed hope that the upcoming dialogue between the National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan would open doors for a sustained and meaningful dialogue between the two nations.

Senior PDP leader and Minister for Public Works, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said he was optimistic that the scheduled meeting between NSAs of India and Pakistan on August 23 would open doors for a sustained and meaningful dialogue between the two countries so that the border residents get rid of perpetuating violence and bloodshed.

Bukhari said this while touring the area of Balakote sector in Poonch district where he met families affected by the cross LoC shelling.

Offering condolence on behalf of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Bukhari expressed solidarity with the bereaved families of innocent civilians killed due to shelling and wished early recovery of those who sustained serious injuries due to recent cross border shelling.

Bukhari said permanent solution to ensure a peaceful atmosphere on LoC has become imperative as the border residents are living under constant fear and uncertain future.

He said that the meeting between NSAs of India and Pakistan is the right way towards improving relations between the two countries as it would hopefully lead to successful peace initiatives ahead.

"Tensions between the neighboring countries would ease if there is a cool down at the border," he said.

Besides stressing for security and safety of the people in the area, the local residents demanded immediate ex-gratia compensation of Rs five lakh for the family of those killed and a job to the next of their kin.

They also demanded that the injured be compensated and their best possible medical treatment ensured on compassionate grounds.

PTI