Talk to J&K legislators: Mufti to PM

In the backdrop of escalated violence in Jammu and Kashmir, state Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on Monday met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and requested an early resumption of dialogue with the newly elected representatives in the state.

Emerging after a 30-minute long meeting with the prime minister, Sayeed said he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, during which he raised the issue of initiation of the dialogue and creating consensus for solving the Kashmir problem, official sources said.

Sayeed reminded Vajpayee of the latter's promise made from the ramparts of the Red Fort during the Independence Day this year of holding talks with the elected representatives and urged him for early beginning of this process to resolve for resolution of the Kashmir problem.

The chief minister also said that in addition to fighting the "external dimensions" [Pakistan] in the state, a broad political consensus was required to tackle the "internal dimensions" [separatist leaders] in the state.

Sayeed also sought Vajpayee's immediate intervention in making a special employment package for the youths, they said.

Besides asking for special package in tourism and other industrial sectors, Sayeed sought Vajpayee's help in funding the Bagliyar Power project.

Sayeed apprised the prime minister that his government was planning to float developmental bonds, exempted from tax, to mop up Rs 2,700 crore towards the state treasury.