British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Dr Alexander Evans called on the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti here last evening.During the meeting, they discussed emerging political and socio economic developments in the State.The Deputy High Commissioner was accompanied by Alex Pykett, First Secretary and Deepjyoti Barman, Senior Political Advisor (Foreign Policy & Security) in British High Commission, New Delhi.The Chief Minister informed the visiting envoy of her Government’s keenness to initiate political process alongwith aggressive developmental governance in the State. She said it is her firm belief that good governance and political dialogue together can get the State out of the difficulties it is presently in.The Chief Minister said opening of more routes, particularly the traditional ones, across the LoC would ensure more people to people contact and economic activity on the two sides. She said the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads to traffic and trade has enhanced the stakes of local people on the two sides in peace and good relations and the tempo has to be maintained with the opening of more such routes.
On the Indo-Pak relations, Mehbooba Mufti stressed on taking forward the vision of former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee adding the similarities and commonalities on the two sides need to be focused and considered rather than the differences. She hoped the present Government at the Centre would carry forward this mission.The Deputy High Commissioner appreciated the vision of the Chief Minister for the State. He evinced keen interest in the steps being taken by the Government in sectors like horticulture, infrastructure, handicrafts and tourism.The Chief Minister told Dr. Evans that many mega connectivity projects besides Srinagar-Jammu rail link are under execution in the State which would not only connect the regions to each other but also help in exploiting the untapped economic potential of these areas as well. She also informed him about the High Density Apple plantation schemes launched recently by the Government which is expected to give a turnaround to horticulture industry in the State.