Date:26/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/26/stories/2008042650540100.htm

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Rs. 1,600-crore package for J&K refugees

Luv Puri

Manmohan says more steps will be taken to improve ties with Pakistan

— Photo: Nissar Ahmad

Reaching out: The country’s longest cantilever bridge over the Chenab in Akhnoor, which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated on Friday. It connects Rajouri and Poonch districts with the rest of the country.

Akhnoor: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday announced a Rs. 1,600 crore economic package for refugees in Jammu and Kashmir and offered sops for migrants willing to return to the State.

Speaking in this Harappan city, which symbolises the common civilisational heritage of India and Pakistan, Dr. Singh said more steps would be taken to improve relations so that the neighbours could live in a relationship of permanent friendship.

He sent a clear message to Pakistan that his government was committed to improving relations with that country and the peace process would continue with the new democratic regime there.

Earlier, Dr. Singh inaugurated the country’s longest cantilever bridge over the Chenab which connects Rajouri and Poonch districts with the rest of the country.