Thaindian News

Jammu, Mar 29 (ANI): Stating that the relationship between India and Pakistan has a direct bearing on Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has taken a historic step by inviting his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani in Mohali to witness the World Cup semi final clash.

“Our PM has taken a historic step by inviting Pak PM to Mohali. We hope that Jammu and Kashmir would benefit from the dialogue process, which has been brought back to rails,” Omar told reporters at a function here.

“I had repeatedly said that relation between India and Pakistan have a direct bearing on Jammu and Kashmir, unlike any other state of the country,” he added.

Expressing hope that the resumption of dialogue between the two the two Asian neighbours would move forward in a conducive atmosphere, he said: “I hope that in the days to come they will be further strengthened. When relations between the two neighbours are cordial, Jammu and Kashmir gets the optimum benefit.”

Omar Abdullah further said Wednesday’s semi final between India and Pakistan has attained a political significance because of Pakistan’s Prime Minister visit to watch the match.

“One of the PMs will definitely be unhappy and sad for the defeat of his team, but it would not affect our relations and the dialogue process at all. Both are serious and senior leaders. We should take it positively as it is a big thing that two PMs would be watching the match and also meeting,” he said, while ruling out that the victory or defeat of any side would make an impact on the relations between India and Pakistan and the dialogue process.

“I hope that the atmosphere would be good and match will remain good. It all will benefit us. We will desire to have a very good and entertaining match and those watching it will be thrilled,” he added. (ANI)