Omar raises Pathribal closure case with PM

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday raised the issue of closure of the alleged Pathribal fake encounter case by the army with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demanded justice for the kin of the victims.

The prime minister arrived here Sunday afternoon on a two-day visit. He is scheduled to inaugurate the 101st session of the Indian Science Congress at Jammu University Monday.

Abdullah called on Manmohan Singh at the state Raj Bhawan.

"In the meeting, Omar Abdullah raised the issue of closure of the Pathribal case by the army and emphasised the need for giving justice to the families of the victims and punishment to those responsible for innocent killings," an official statement issued after the meeting said.

"The chief minister also discussed suspension of trade across LoC (Line of Control) after the seizure of a truckload of contraband drugs and stressed the need for amicable resolution of the matter with Pakistan so the important confidence building measures of trade across the LoC is not jeopardised.

"The chief minister apprised the prime minister of the achievements registered by the coalition government during the past five years in the state in various fields of socio-economic development, empowerment of people, employment generation and restoration of peace and stability. Matters pertaining to security and law and order also came up for discussion in the meeting," the statement said.

"Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to the prime minister for his support to the state in its endeavour to fast track development and move ahead towards achieving the cherished goal of prosperity and tranquility.

"Omar Abdullah wished good health and well-being to Manmohan Singh which he reciprocated warmly. The prime minister also wished peace and progress in the state and well-being of its people," said the statement.