The Hindu : National : J&K legislature welcomes bus service

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Thursday, Mar 17, 2005

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National

J&K legislature welcomes bus service

By Our Staff Reporter

JAMMU, MARCH 16. The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council today welcomed the launch of the bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad saying that for the first time the State was in international focus for reasons of peace and not war.

Complete consensus

Speaking during a discussion, the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, said that there was complete consensus on the matter within the State and at the national level. He said the earlier announcement made by the Prime Minister to open the road showed the confidence he and the country as a whole had reposed in the people of the State.

The Mufti said the State had been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan in the past but not anymore.

The two South Asian neighbours had fought three wars over Jammu and Kashmir but today the State had emerged as a means to bringing them closer.

He gave full credit to the people for the "process of reconciliation" in the sub-continent. He stressed the need to take the process forward with the same determination from both sides adding that the State was playing an important role in dismantling "the walls of hatred."

Lal Mohammad Sabar (Congress MLC) described the launch of the bus service as "a bold step" by the Centre and hoped that it would be followed by the opening of other vital routes along the Line of Control.

The Panthers Party Leader and MLC, Bhim Singh, suggested that a delegation of State legislators visit Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Summing up the sentiment of the council, the chairman, Abdul Rashid Dar, said: "This is an historic occasion and the softening of the Line of Control will act as a bridge between the two countries."

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