Friday, June 17 2005 10:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam yesterday (Jun 16, 2005) said India was for peaceful settlement of all issues with Pakistan.

This was conveyed by the President when he met a group of Maulvis (religious leaders) from Poonch and Rajouri Districts of Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi. The interaction was organised by 39 Mountain Division of the Army.

The President said India had initiated peace talks with Pakistan and "we are for a peaceful settlement of all issues".

India has a mission to lift its 260 million people living below the poverty line and aims to become a developed nation. "The entire country is too busy to achieve this aim," he said.

The President began the meeting by reciting the "Sura Al -Fateha" of the Holy Quran with the Maulvis.

He also informed the religious heads that his late father was the Imam at the Rameshwaram Masjid and he used to tell him as a boy a beautiful Hadith of the Prophet.

Concluding the meeting, Kalam asked the delegation to remember that as Maulvis they represent the people and that they should carry this message to all the people of the region.

The President also recited "Sura Al-Kafrun" with the Maulvis and particularly emphasised on the last line of the Sura, which says, "Lakum Deenakum Valeye Deen" (For you your path and for me my path).

The President said Jammu and Kashmir's composite culture is a perfect example of this Sura, which should ensure a peaceful existence for all irrespective of religion, race and caste.