Farooq calls for Indo-Pak peace process

Addressing a public meeting at Kotranka in Rajouri district he said "there should be no confrontational attitude in Indo-Pak relations. The neighbours should work for creating an atmosphere of understanding and confidence, and go ahead with peace talks".

Referring to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's upcoming visit to Pakistan, the NC patron hoped that the two sides would move ahead with peace process and build a strong bilateral relationship.

"NC believes that issues concerning India and Pakistan need immediate settlement through negotiations. It is the right time to advance the peace process with more CBMs," he said.

Urging the two countries to a give a final shape to the much-awaited trade links across the Line of Control (LoC), Abdullah said "we are waiting for the day when trucks will be allowed to move between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot route".

"I urge both India and Pakistan to vigorously carry forward the talks so that in addition to other bilateral issues, the all important Kashmir issue gets resolved".

He said the party will frame an employment policy to offer jobs to the highly educated and those with school education. The minimum qualification for selection as police constables will be brought down to those who have passed middle school.