Musharraf says Kashmir resolution essential for durable peace

Islamabad, Jan 16, 2007. Pakistan President General Pervez

Musharraf today said resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir

issue was essential for achieving a durable peace in the region.
He said this while briefing his top military commanders on the
ongoing peace process with India.
President Musharraf also expressed optimism and hope in the
peace process, while chairing the conference, which began in the
garrison town of Rawalpindi, two days after Indian External Affairs
Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Pakistan.
The two countries took a number of important decisions during
Mr Mukherjee’s visit to address outstanding problems and agreed to
launch the fourth round of the composite dialogue in March.
President Musharraf also expressed satisfaction on the progress
achieved during the composite dialogue for solution of the Sir Creek
and Siachen issues.
Indian and Pakistani hydrographers and defence officials yesterday
began the joint survey to demarcate boundary between their countries
in Sir Creek areas.
The commanders also had a comprehensive discussion on the
situation along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
”The President briefed the participants on decisions taken to
control illegal cross-border movements, repatriation of over three
million Afghan refugees and to root out terrorism from the country
in general and the tribal areas in particular,” said a statement
issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The President also rejected the statements emanating from various
quarters, saying Pakistan was not fighting terrorism under any
pressure.
”Terrorism is a threat to our national security which will be
eliminated at all costs and Pakistan will not allow anyone to use
its soil for terrorist activities,” the President stressed.

Army to de-mine border areas for cultivation in J and K

Gigrial, on line of Control, Jan 16, 2007. The Army has agreed to

the de-mining of border areas and purchase the land occupied by it in

Jammu and Kashmir, and will pay the rent to the landowners from the

date of occupation, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad informed here

this evening.

Addressing a public rally at this bordering village in Akhnoor
tehsil, he said the army authorities in a meeting with the top
administrative official at Kachrial gate army base had agreed on
three points whereby the army will clear all the landmines from the
fields at border areas where agricultural activities are possible.
”De-mining operation of the feasible border land in Khour border
area would be completed in about 20 days. I will myself lead the
farmers to launch agriculture operation very soon.” Mr Azad said.
The Chief Minister said the army also have agreed to purchase
the occupied fields from the land owners and now the those farmers
whose land was occupied by army could get compensation.
About the third point, he said the army would also pay the rent
of the land to their owners from the date of its occupation and
mining. ”wherever de-mining is not possible rent and, if required,
compensation to the farmers would be paid,” he added.
The government had started free-ration for border people during
tensions at the borders, as they were deprived of farming due to the
shelling from pakistan as well as mining in their fields.
The Chief Minister said the state government had decided to stop
providing free ration to the border residents who have been getting
free ration during tensions at the borders, as they were deprived of
farming due to the shelling from Pakistani as well as mining in
their fields.
The state government will now provide all agricultural assistance
to the farmers, the Chief Minister said adding that the farmers
would be provided free fertilisers and seeds to restart cultivation
in their fields.
The Chief Minister mentioned Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee s
visit to Pakistan and his interaction with Pak leaders in which many
positive developments with regard to strengthening of confidence
building measures are sure to emerge by the continuation of dialogue
process between the two nations.
Mr Azad said in next two to three months many meetings between
the leadership of two countries have been scheduled, which he
declared a most significant development in the peace process.
”The people living in border areas are directly affected by the
tension at the borders where every activity gets marred by such
tensions,” the Chief Minister said.

CM teaches lesson to Speaker about importance of Assembly session

Gigrial, on Line of Control, Jan 16, 2007. Jammu and Kashmir Chief

Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today taught the lesson of importance and

sanctity of Legislative Assembly and its session to its Speaker Tara

Chand in a public rally here this evening.

The Chief Minister and the Speaker, who was local MLA (member of
legislative assembly), were invited to address the people in public
rally at Gigrial in Khod constituency.
Addressing the rally, Mr Chand presented a charter of the demands
of the local population and sought the Chief Minister’s quick
declaration.
He also requested for CM’s intervention in speedy resolution of
the problems faced by the people of the border areas.
The Speaker appreciating the working style of Mr Azad brought
people’s demands to his notice with regard to construction of
communication links, power and drinking water supply, employment to
youth, agriculture and horticulture development and said these
sectors required focus of attention for speedy development of border
areas.
”Mr Azad, People of Khod today want some thing from you and I
hope you would made some announcement here for development of this
backward area,” the Speaker said.
In his speech the Chief Minster said that he cannot declare any
thing because the budged session is still on progress.
”The importance and sanctity of Legislative Assembly does not
allow me to make any declaration outside the house,” Mr Azad added.
”Being Chairman of Legislative Assembly Speaker can understand
my helplessness,” he said. The Chief Minister, however, added that
at the end of the budget session he shall made some announcement
about Khod.