New Delhi, January 25
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is likely to announce a “peace package’’ for Jammu and Kashmir during his visit to the state in the first week of April.
This was disclosed by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed after his 40-minute-long meeting with Mr Vajpayee here.
The package is expected to pave the way for the holding of talks with political and other groups, including the elected representatives of the state.
“The Prime Minister’s response was very positive towards the holding of the talks and we should remember that the people of the state chose ballot and not bullet to solve their problems,’’ Mr Sayeed said. He said the proposed talks between the Centre and the state would soon commence and the modalities were being worked out. “Both the sides understood the urgency for talks. All problems will come to an end once the process of dialogue begins despite the fear of gun.’’
Mr Vajpayee will also inaugurate the north-south highway corridor project and inspect the progress made in laying the railway track between Qazigund and Baramula.
The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to initiate the process to begin filling vacancies in the Central Government offices in the state. Mr Sayeed also met Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K C Pant and Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi.
