STATE TIMES NEWS
POONCH: Saying that the brunt of border hostilities, especially during difficult times of shelling, is being faced by the people of forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir alone, National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah has reiterated the crucial importance of Indo-Pak dialogue for peace and good neighbourly relations.
“Thaw in Indo-Pak relations will benefit people of this sensitive State the most”, Dr Abdullah said while addressing a public meeting at Guntrya, Islamabad in Poonch.
Dr Abdullah referred to the pitiable condition of the border residents he visited and interacted during his four day tour of Poonch and Rajouri District and said the devastation caused in one of the villages due to shelling is an eye opener for those indulging in jingoism. He hoped good sense will prevail in New Delhi and Islamabad so that a way out is found to resolve issues amicably. He said peace is in the larger interest of the region, especially as the people of the two countries have been yearning for good relations.
Dr Abdullah expressed anguish over the sufferings of people and stressed the need for expediting construction of bunkers so that the border residents can be lodged in safe shelters during shelling. He also called for immediate rehabilitation of the sufferers, saying they cannot be allowed to live without roof as the winter is approaching. He also pitched for compensation to the farmers for damages to the standing crops due to cross border firing.
General Secretary National Conference Ali Mohammed Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustaffa Kamal and Provincial President Devender Singh Rana were among the prominent leaders present.
Later, the National Conference chief visited Ziarat Sai Mira Baba and prayed for peace and tranquility in the region.
