Jammu, Oct 28: Republican Party of India president and Lok Sabha MP Ramdas Athavale has said Pakistan should hand over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to India if it truly wants to improve relations between the two countries. "Pakistan should immediately vacate the portion of Kashmir which it has occupied so that a healthy atmosphere be created for talks," he said addressing a function in connection with the 56th anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir's accession with India, which was organised by council for promotion of Dogri language, art and culture here yesterday.
Despite efforts by India, rulers in Pakistan have not responded in a "serious manner", he said asking the neighbouring country to "respond positively" in the larger interests of the common people of the two countries.

Athavale said during his recent visit to Pakistan with a team of MPs, he found that people there want peace and friendship. The leadership of that country should respect the feelings of their countrymen, he added.

The RPI president urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to continue their fight against Pak-sponsored militancy.

Speaking on the dialogue proposed by the Centre with the separatist leadership, state education minister Harsh Dev Singh said talks should involve every section of the society irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

Bureau Report