India-Pakistan ties have direct bearing on Kashmir: Omar

Jammu, April 25 (IANS) India-Pakistan relations have direct bearing on the peace and development of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Wednesday, hoping that the bilateral dialogue process would proceed to its 'logical end'.

Abdullah was addressing a gathering of 5,000 people in the remote Darhal area of mountainous-border district of Rajouri. Darhal is about 210 kilometres north-west of Jammu.

He said that the peace was pre-requisite to economic prosperity and all round development. 'You have witnessed the benefits of peaceful 2011 in the shape of economic activities with fast tracking of development across the State', he said.

The chief minister said that his government was addressing the political issues of the state with focused attention.

'It (the government) is wholeheartedly involved in the resolution of day-to-day problems of the people making justice and equitable development benchmark of governance,' he said.

Abdullah said that peace and progress with thrust on creation of economic activities and job opportunities is the endeavour of National Conference-Congress alliance since 2009.

'We are working to mitigate difficulties of people and restore peace and stability in the State,' he said, adding that the impact of balanced development unleashed in the State during the last three years is amply visible on ground. 'The next three years will witness further fillip and fast tracking of development in the State,' the chief minister said.