Saturday, June 11 2005 15:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kargil: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Jun 11, 2005) said that talks were going on with Pakistan for opening of road line between Kargil and Skardu in Pakistan controlled northern areas.

Laying foundation stone for a 44 MW power project in Kargil, the Prime Minister said that converting the Srinagar-Leh road into National Highway was under consideration and plans were contemplated to make this road an all weathered route.

He also announced a grant of Rs 10 crore for Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council.

Recalling the 1999 Pakistani aggression of Kargil, Singh said it had caused a lot of problems for the people of this region.

"Our effort is to ensure that such dangers do not recur. That is why we have started talks with Pakistan Government to ensure permanent end to mutual conflicts and so that people of two countries could live peacefully," he said.

"In this regard an important decision has been taken on opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service after 55 years," he said adding that the Centre was contemplating to hold talks with the neighbouring country or opening of the Kargil-Skardu road.

Singh noted that he has come to know that people of Kargil also want to revive trade relations with Baltistan and Gilgit.