Indo-Pak ties have direct bearing on J&K: Omar

Welcoming the resumption of talks between India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the relation between the neighbours has a direct bearing on the state on Tuesday.

"The smooth relations between India and Pakistan have good effect on our state and bad relations create an adverse result. So we must welcome the dialogue process between the countries," Abdullah told legislative council here.

The chief minister was referring to the recent Foreign Secretary-level talks between Indian and Pakistan held in New Delhi, which saw the countries resume deliberations after a hiatus of 14 months after the 26/11 attacks.

Replying to the discussion on motion of thanks to governor's address to joint legislative session, he said when the bilateral talks were on, many confidence building measures like opening of Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads and Cross-Line of Control trade came into being.

Besides, militancy-related incidents reduced and the percentage of infiltration came down considerably having a positive outcome on the progress of the state, he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that India was willing to walk the "extra mile" to open a new chapter in relations with Pakistan if it acted decisively against terrorism, Omar said, "we appreciate and salute Singh for his peace loving gesture which indicates India's intention to improve bilateral ties with Pakistan."

"Pakistan has promised it would not allow its territory to be used against India and as such it has to fulfill its commitment and stick to its words," he said, adding his government would continue to play the role of a facilitator for talks between New Delhi and Islamabad.

On reports of a 'quiet' dialogue between the Centre and separatists, Abdullah said it is better for some concrete proposals to emerge.

Referring to his proposed rehabilitation policy for youth returning from across the border, he said it should not be mistaken with the surrender policy.

"The surrender policy already exists under which many militants have surrendered and joined the mainstream. The rehabilitation (policy) is for those who have not indulged in militancy...They have not taken the gun and as such surrender does not apply to them," he clarified.

The chief minister also dismissed opposition Peoples Democratic Party's charges of human rights violations.

"Without raising hollow slogans of healing touch as has been done by PDP, my government stood strong for human rights and took prompt action against the HR violators," he said.

Referring to Nishat incident in which BSF personnel allegedly killed a young boy last month, the chief minister said for the first time in last 20 years, BSF has handed over its accused personnel to the state police for action under law.

"We have created a strong foundation of HR protection and are further strengthening it," he said.