Indian PM welcomes Musharraf's Kashmir proposal

SHIMLA, Monday (The Hindu) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here that the country would make "full and sincere" efforts to resolve all bilateral problems with Pakistan through talks. Though progress had been made in strengthening the ties with Islamabad, "several complexities" remained, he said.

Dr. Singh welcomed the proposal of Pakistan President General Musharraf to demilitarise a part of Kashmir. On Siachen, he said talks were on. "We will thoroughly analyse the progress.

We are not against finding a permanent solution to the Kashmir problem in this situation by way of talks with our neighbour. The atmosphere now is most affable." Dr. Singh said that with the promotion of people-to-people contacts between the two countries, the frequency of the Srinagar-Muzafarrabad bus service would be increased.

The Prime Minister was addressing a press conference. He had visited the tribal district of Kinnaur and dedicating the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Power Project to the nation on Saturday.

On the United Progressive Alliance's relations with the Left, Dr. Singh said, "we continue to enjoy their progressive support, though sometimes we differ on issues."

When asked about the discomfort of the Left on the "non-implementation" of the National Common Minimum Programme in various States and the absence of coordination committees there, the Prime Minister said, "it is not necessary since we are politically apart." Dr. Singh said that though at the Centre the co-ordination committee had proved its utility, it was not very sure of its extension to the other Congress-ruled States.

On an increase in Employees Provident Fund interest rate, Dr. Singh said it required major reforms and it was for the board and its trustees to decide.