India-Pakistan talks needed to resolve Kashmir issue: Farooq

Srinagar: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah today favoured talks between India and Pakistan, saying it can resolve the Kashmir issue, which is necessary to improve relations between the two nations.
“Talks between India and Pakistan will resolve Kashmir issue,” Abdullah told reporters at the launch of ‘Vivanta by Taj’ Hotel here.
He said the relations between New Delhi and Islamabad were strained. “Kashmir issue has to be resolved for improving the relations between them.”
On the killing of a panchayat candidate in Budgam district on Friday, Abdullah said while the incident was unfortunate, such incidents will not prevent the formation of the grass roots level governance bodies.
“Panchayats will be formed as these bodies are not for resolution of Kashmir issue but for local governance,” he said.