'Substantive Indo-Pak talks needed to end ceasefire violations'

Expressing concern over cross-border firings at the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, ruling National Conference today said that there is a need for substantive Indo-Pak dialogue to end the ceasefire violations.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif should meet, but not just for the sake of meeting only. There should be substantive dialogue for bringing an end to the situation that has colossally affected border dwellers Kasmihr," party's Provincial President Devender Singh Rana said.

Rana said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already taken up the issue with the Centre.

Pakistan should be made to understand the necessity of respecting the decade-old ceasefire agreement in the larger interest of peace in the sub-continent, the NC leader said.

The spurt in the firing by Pakistani troops may trigger migration from the border areas and, therefore, the issue needs to be addressed on priority, he maintained.

This situation, he said, is not in the interests of the two neighbouring countries.