Farooq reverses his belief

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah has expressed the hope that Indo-Pak talks will succeed in bringing about a lasting peace between the neighbours.

"Nothing will come out of conflict," the chief minister said in Srinagar.

Dr Abdullah's statement, incidentally, shows a complete reversal of his September 25 sentiment: that the talks were futile.

"We are spending millions every day on Siachen," the CM said, "If we are able to bring about a lasting era of friendship, such expenditures can be channelised for the people's welfare."

The chief minister also referred to the sincere endeavours to restore greater autonomy to the state and regional autonomy within.

''We are asking (the Centre) for the fulfillment of promises made to us earlier,'' he said. He added that such an arrangement would not weaken the states' relation with the rest of the country -- it would still continue to be an integral part of India.

Dr Abdullah said the Union finance minister and heads of nationalised banks were arriving shortly in Srinagar for a detailed discussion. Fiscal problems, including the flow of credit, would be taken up.

UNI