Ceasefire may hasten peace move in Kashmir: Omar Abdullah

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC. 16. The National Conference leader and the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Omar Abdullah, said here today that the unilateral ceasefire declared by India had brought the Kashmir issue closer to a solution.

In a tete-a-tete with reporters during his short visit to the State capital, he said the temporary truce had created conditions conducive for a dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem. He said there was a marked decline in infiltration and cross-border shelling following the ceasefire declaration.

``The Kashmiri people are feeling easier since there are fewer instances of checking by security forces. The recent blasts in some parts of the State are, however, a matter of concern,'' he said. Mr. Abdullah said the overall public mood in the State was positive since the ceasefire came into effect. Asked about the reported Track Two diplomacy, involving Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, he said the ground situation was important in any effort for a permanent solution to the Kashmir problem.

``Whatever initiatives are taken, official diplomatic efforts will be decisive in settling the issue,'' he said.

Mr. Abdullah said the National Conference would be an active partner in any effort to bring peace to Kashmir.

The Minister later left for Delhi after inaugurating the cooling room facility for perishables at the Thiruvananthapuram airport.

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