Omar confident of positive approach from new Pakistani leadership

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday expressed confidence of warm India-Pakistan relations due to a "positive approach" by the new ruling dispensation in the neighbouring country.

Addressing a public meeting at Chak Mohammad Yar, about 25 km west of Jammu, Abdullah said: "A healthy change in the mindset of politicians in Pakistan towards Kashmir issue and India-Pakistani relations has also been clearly observed during the recent electioneering process in that country."

He hoped that this would materialise in strengthening peace bonds between the two countries and moving towards resolving all issues across the table, reiterating the status of India-Pakistani relations have direct bearing on peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

"When borders are peaceful and calm, people carry on their life activities smoothly and tension free. Any tension on borders and in relations between the two neighbours disturb peace and tranquility besides telling upon badly on economic activities and development process in the state," he said.

Omar Abdullah said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has initiated various initiatives in building confidence between the two countries, and hoped he would continue its efforts towards this end. He also hoped that the new government in Pakistan would exhibit similar friendly spirit towards confidence building and resolving of issues peacefully.