LD PM 2LST

On the internal dimension of the Kashmir issue, the Prime
Minister noted that three Round Table conferences were held in
which civil society and political groups participated.
"We wish to carry forward the dialogue process (in Jammu
and Kashmir). We are ready to hold talks with representatives
of all sections (in the state) who shun violence," said Singh
during whose visit separatists gave a call for bandh.
He said as a result of the Roundtable Conferences, five
working groups were set up which gave several recommendations
on improving Centre's relations with the state, furthering
cross-LoC relations and giving a boost to the state's economic
development.
"We are implementing them in a step-wise manner," Singh
said but did not elaborate.
Talking in the context of Pakistan, the Prime Minister
said, "today, I would like to say to our neighbours across the
Line of Control that they should help in creating an
environment in which people from both the sides can live in
peace and harmony and work together."
Pointing out that issues between India and Pakistan are
well known, he said good neighbourly relations are in the
interest of both the countries and necessary for peace and
harmony, stability and development of the region.
He said the government would look at all possible
measures to strengthen links between people on both sides of
Line of Control. In this context, he mentioned consistent
efforts being made to increase trade and commerce between
different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said relations between India and Pakistan over
one-and-a-half years have been "under the shadow" of the
terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.
Referring to his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister
Yusuf Raza Gilani in Thimphu in April, he said "both the
countries accepted that there is trust deficit between us" and
they agreed that "this distance" must be reduced.
To reduce trust deficit, the two sides agreed that their
Foreign Ministers will meet on July 15 in Islamabad and prior
to that Foreign Secretaries will meet on June 26.
"Meaningful talks between the two countries, which can
lead to a resolution of old issues, are possible only when
Pakistan doesn't let its territory to be used for acts of
terror against India," Singh said.
He said Gilani had assured him that Pakistan will not
allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against
India.
Singh underlined that both India and Pakistan should
"adopt effective ways of cooperation" to the benefit of their
people as their destiny is linked to each other.
He talked about efforts to promote cross-LoC movement of
people and trade on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and
Poonch-Rawalkot roads and said "We now want to take similar
steps for the Kargil-Skardu route." PTI