Rajouri: Making his maiden visit to the border areas in Jammu and Kashmir after assuming office, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today (June 29, 2004) said Pakistan should make "honest efforts" to resolve all issues and take all steps to stop cross-border terrorism.

Asserting that India was ready to talk on all issues including Jammu and Kashmir to have peace, stability and progress in the region, he told a gathering of jawans in Rajouri that Pakistan should reciprocate with "full honesty".

"Hum apne padosi ke saath shanti chahte hai aur sabhi maslon ko baat-cheet ke zariye suljhana chahte hain. Jammu Kashmir ke samet sabhi muddon par charcha ke liye hum tayyar hain ... lekin iske liye doosre side se bhi poori imandari ke saath koshish honi chahiye (We want peace with our neighbour and wish to solve all issues through dialogue. We are ready for talks on all issues including Jammu and Kashmir but for this, the other side should also make efforts with full honesty)," Mukherjee told jawans at a special Sainik Sammelan.