Srinagar: Welcoming talks between External Affairs Ministers of India and Pakistan, the ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir today urged them to end hostile condition and resolve the Kashmir issue.
In a statement issued here this afternoon, NC
spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said, “only talks between the two neighboring countries can ensure peace in the sub-continent.” “The relationship between the two neighboring countries have come a long way and there has been a considerable progress in the overall situation,” he said, adding that this however, needs to sustain so that a positive outcome would emerge.
While appealing to External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar to create history by taking bold decision with regards to Kashmir, the NC spokesman said,” the hostile conditions need to end and Kashmir issue needs to be resolved.” “Such initiatives will not only bridge the gap between the two countries, but will also address the mistrust,” he said.
“We are hopeful that both the countries will be heading in the right direction to resolve all outstanding issues,” he added.
The preparatory talks between the Foreign Secretaries ahead of the meeting could help lay the foundation for some more basic confidence-building measure, including making visa regime easier, resolving Sir Creek and Siachen issues, cross-LoC trade can be improved, Mr Tanvir said, adding, “We hope some of these issues during the talks are resolved.” The NC spokesman appealed to the two Foreign Ministers to re-look into Line of Control (LoC) communication, trade and travel.
“If there has been a marked improvement in the cross border bus service, the same should happen with regards to trade as well. There is still a need to bring more improvement in it,” he said.
Reiterating the stand of the party to act as a bridge between the two neighboring countries to ensure a peaceful and prosperous sub continent, Mr Sadiq said, “India and Pakistan are facing a number of problems.” However, he said, “There is no alternative to talks. Our party has been saying this for a long that the talks between the two nations shall go on, but at the same time the internal dialogue between the state and the Centre holds importance.”
