Thursday, February 23 2006 16:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Steps taken by the UPA Government for fostering good relations with Pakistan have yielded good results, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today (Feb 23 2006) said.

"The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi has taken necessary steps for fostering the ongoing peace process with Pakistan. The steps taken in this behalf have yielded good results," he said addressing a public meeting at Kupwara yesterday.

He said the peace process has positively changed the over all scenario in both the countries and priority to development aspects would loom large.

Observing that the state had over the years witnessed a saga of tension affecting its development, Azad said "now a policy has been initiated to give fillip to development programmes and take the state at par with other developed states and pursue a policy of dialogue to settle the dust of confusion and create a peaceful Jammu and Kashmir."

On the tourism front, which is the mainstay of the state's economy, he said Kupwara, which is one of the most beautiful places, has not been developed to its potential. Bungus valley, a great tourist attraction area, will also be brought on the tourist map, he added.

The state government would also improve health facilities. In this regard 54 assistant surgeons will be posted in various health institutions of the district, he said.

All district hospitals would be equipped with better medicare facilities so that patients in far-flung areas do not have to come to Srinagar for health check ups, he said adding in the first phase 40 beds would be added to the sub district hospital in the district.