The issue of Jammu and Kashmir was also discussed in a positive atmosphere. I emphasized that while the redrawing of boundaries was not possible, all measures that could bring the peoples on both sides together, including increased transportation linkages to facilitate greater traffic of people and trade across the border and the Line of Control, would help the process and create an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence. President Musharraf and I agreed to continue our discussions in a sincere, purposeful and forward-lookin manner. We have agreed to work together to carry forward the process and to bring the benefit of peace to people of our two countries, and in particular, the people of Jammu and Kashmir. President Musharraf stressed the importance of addressing the Jammu Kashmir issue. However, he also agreed that the confidence building process between the two countries had made significant progress. We both felt that this process would contribute to promoting a general sense of trust and understanding in our two countries, which in turn, would be conducive to creating the environment for a just, fair and mutually acceptable solution to all outstanding issues. Consequently, we agreed to pursue further measures to enhance interaction and cooperation across the LoC including agreed meeting points of divided families, trade, pilgrimages and cultural interaction. The Joint Statement specifically re-affirmed the commitments made in the Joint Press Statement of January 6, 2004, and the Joint Statement issued after the meeting of the Indian Prime Minister and the Pakistani President in New York on September 24, 2004. This re-affirmation addressed our concerns relating to terrorism from across the border. I am convinced the bus service has tapped a latent reservoir of public support for greater people living. I congratulate Sankara Nethralaya Academy for rendering yeomen service for combating blindness in India. Excellence through Knowledge as I have learnt, is their moto. This agency has again and again, year after year, in its reports complained that they have not got enough personnel to deal with the large responsibilities that have been placed on them. Sir, in Andhra Pradesh for the last 15 years, not a single irrigation project has seen the light of the day. Subsidies should be given to them and marketing should be done through Janata distribution system. Both Khadi industry and agriculture are important for the rural population. So, if these are encouraged and proper irrigation facilities are provided, the unemployment problem will be solved to a great extent.
