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Peace process to get a boost: Sonia

"Indo-Pak relations are improving," the UPA chairperson said after flagging off Poonch-Rawlakote bus service in J&K.

Updated on: Jun 20, 2006, 21:20:00 IST
None | By , Chakan Da Bagh (Jammu And Kashmir)
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United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi is hopeful that Tuesday's launch of the second bus service across the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Jammu and Kashmir will give further momentum to the peace process between India and Pakistan.

HT Image
HT Image

India-Pakistan relations were improving, Gandhi told reporters after flagging off the Poonch-Rawlakote bus service in Chakan Da Bagh and addressing a public meeting in Poonch.

"With this (bus service) the people-to-people contact will increase. More people will come from across (LoC) and visit us and our people will also go there. I am hopeful we will soon have trade between the two sides."

She said India was keen to promote peace and she urged Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to give priority to peace and harmony.

Gandhi also referred to the second roundtable on Kashmir held in Srinagar last month.

The All Party Hurriyat Conference and other separatist groups had boycotted the meet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"We had invited to everyone (to participate). The other side should also understand what we want," she said.

Gandhi exhorted all stakeholders to take part in the peace process though she added that the "dialogue has to be within the purview of the Indian Constitution".

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