Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has ruled out any change in the Inter-State Council meeting, scheduled on August 27 and 28 in Srinagar, because of the twin blasts in Mumbai.

 

"I have been working hard to make the meeting a success," Sayeed said. "I do not see any reason why it should not be held as per schedule."

 

He hoped all chief ministers would attend the meeting. "Some might skip the meeting due to prior engagements," he said, "but the majority have confirmed they would be participating."

 

Sayeed thanked Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for "standing by the people of Jammu and Kashmir" and accepting his request the high-profile

exercise be held in Srinagar.

 

"I am personally indebted to Vajpayeeji for [it]," he said. "We are making all out efforts to ensure the meeting ends on a resounding note."

 

J&K Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussian Beig said Sayeed was looking into every arrangement personally.

"He has been talking to the chief ministers," he said, "and interacting with the central ministers to ensure maximum participation by the top politicians of the country."