Monday, February 20 2006 15:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Calling Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's roundtable initiative on Kashmir 'historic', Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services and Sports Minister and Pradesh Congress President Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said the dialogue process is the only alternative to the issue.

"There is no alternative other than dialogue for restoring lasting peace in the state and the roundtable conference called by the Prime Minister is a historic occasion for separatists and mainstream leaders to present their viewpoints," he told a public meeting at Kokernag in Anantnag district, 70 kms from here, yesterday (Feb 19 2006).

Peerzada said the government has initiated several measures for overall development of the state with thrust on creation of employment avenues.

Referring to ongoing development projects in Kokernag, the minister said Rs 4 crore is being spent on strengthening the tourist infrastructure and make it an ideal destination.

He said a hospital with modern facilities is being made at a cost of Rs 7 crore while work on the town hall has already been completed. Peerzada said a parking slot is also being developed in the area to facilitate the visiting tourists.

The minister later inspected various developments works in Akingam, Hiller, Sagam, Biddar and Kokernag.