Dr. Farooq stresses on Indo-Pak dialogue
“Opening of roads dates back Sheikh Abdullah Era”
5 Dariya News (Owais Gul)
Srinagar 18-Jun-2013
Stressing upon India and Pakistan to initiate dialogue, National Conference President and Union Minister for Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah said that opening of roads across the border dates back to Shiekh Abdullah era “The idea of opening roads is not new; it dates back to the era of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who strived for softening of borders for mitigating the problems of people and giving boost to trade and commerce. Bonds of friendship between the two neighbors will help in solving the problems of millions on either side of the border and Line of Control,” said Abdullah while addressing public gathering at Mendhar.He recalled his meeting with former premier of Pakistan Zulfkar Ali Bhutto in Pakistan and said that he wanted to know why Sher-e-Kashmir was so keen for opening of the Muzaffarabad Road. “My reply to Mr Bhuttoo was that Sher-e-Kashmir wanted the people of two countries to have wider interactions and to see for themselves change taking place in various sectors”.He said that opening of roads will herald a new era of understanding,give boost to trade, commerce and tourism and above all open new vistas of people to people contact, which he described held key to peace and stability in the region, adding, “Amid applause while addressing a huge public meeting at Mendhar in Poonch district this afternoon.” The Union Minister referred to the softening of borders in the Europe and said: “This has transformed the socio-economic landscape of entire Europe and I don’t see any reason why Indo-Pak region will not progress and prosper once there is mutual trust and strong bonding between the two nations”.Speaking about peace and normalcy dawning across the State especially during the past few years, the National Conference President said this momentum has to be maintained. He said the State is on right direction of progress and development under the stewardship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and hoped that all the regions and sub-regions will benefit from the initiatives taken over the years. He hoped that the State government will continue to focus on the development of far-flung and remote areas.