Wednesday, January 11 2006 08:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad yesterday (Jan 10,2006) said India must pursue dialogue process with Pakistan to find a 'final settlement' to Kashmir issue taking into account both the ground realities and aspirations of the people of the state.

"There is urgency of a dialogue between India and Pakistan to find a final settlement of the issue," he said in a statement here, adding the Centre must pursue a dialogue with Islamabad to resolve it.

Apparently referring to Hurriyat's contention that the solution of the issue had to be found only by taking into account the wishes and aspiration of the people, he said a solution to the issue cannot be based on sentiments alone.

"We must take cognizance of the history of both armed conflicts with Pakistan and past agreements between the two sides...our approach must take into account both aspirations of the people of the state and existing ground realities," he said.

"We look forward to the day when people of the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or Gilgit and Baltistan, or Jammu, Ladakh or the valley, can freely travel all across the state, mingle with each other, trade with each other and together celebrate their shared cultural and spiritual legacy," Azad said.

This is for the first time that any state Chief Minister has openly spoken of Gilgit and Baltistan, which Pakistan has illegally annexed as its own territory.

"It is also necessary for the state to return to the path of development in an environment free from violence," he said and added it will create a conducive atmosphere for peace and development in the state.