Srinagar, June 19: National Conference Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal Tuesday said that Indo-Pak relations have a direct bearing on peace and development of J&K.
 Talking to delegations of various areas of Kashmir at party headquarters, Dr Kamaal hoped that the restoration of dialogue process between the two countries would be carried on to the logical end so that all the outstanding issues are resolved. “Peace is a prerequisite to economic prosperity and all round development of J&K. You have witnessed the benefits of a peaceful 2011 in the shape of economic activities and development across the state," he told the delegation members.
 Commenting on the hardships of people on the either side of border, Dr Kamal said that “a huge percentage of people in both the countries are still living below poverty line.”
 “Siachen is also a huge burden on the exchequer of both the countries,” he said.
 He reiterated the stand of reopening of all the traditional routes and expressed the desire of the party that has always “favored reopening of all the traditional routes with Pakistan for trade.” “Once the traditional routes are open, it will create a conducive atmosphere for talks,” he said.
 Dr Kamal also said that NC always supported non-violent methods to resolve conflicts. He said Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah always believed that dialogue is the only way to resolve outstanding issues.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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