Srinagar, June 5: President of National Conference and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the Line of Control (LoC) dividing two parts of Kashmir between India and Pakistan cannot be redrawn.

 “Borders cannot be changed. Neither can we wrest back the part of Kashmir on the other side of the LoC and nor can this part of Kashmir go to the other side. I am not afraid to speak the truth,” Dr Farooq told reporters on sidelines of a function held at his Gupkar residence to interact with newly elected Panchs and Sarpanchs.

 He said the only possibility is to soften and relax the boundaries to allow free trade and travel between two parts of Kashmir.

 “The procedures for traveling to either side of Kashmir should be eased up and all routes connecting Kashmir with outside world should be opened,” he said.

 Dr Farooq said after the Panchayat elections are over, the elected members would help to play a key role to ensure development at grass root level.

 “You have to ensure proper utilization of funds which will come from New Delhi for various development schemes. It will be your duty to see to it that justice is done while distribution of development programs at ground level,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 5 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 5 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST