NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian and Pakistani officials on Monday discussed increasing the travel and trade connections in Kashmir as part of recently renewed peace talks.
The overwhelmingly Muslim region is divided between India and Pakistan and fully claimed by both. It was the focus of their three wars since they won independence from Britain in 1947.
Peace talks broke down over a terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2008 by 10 Pakistani gunmen. The countries decided to restart the peace process in February and have since discussed Kashmir and the continuing threat of terrorism.
India said it remained committed to the talks after a bombing attack in Mumbai last week that killed 19 people.
A statement by India's External Ministry said officials of the two sides exchanged implementation of current agreements in Kashmir and more ways to facilitate travel and trade there.
A weekly bus service now ferries people between the capitals of Indian and Pakistani portions of Kashmir. A limited trade exists in locally produced items like spices, fruits and carpets.
The bus service between the two sides of Kashmir was introduced in 2005 and the barter trade in 2008.
Foreign ministers of the two countries are scheduled to meet later this month in New Delhi to discuss all of their disagreements, including Kashmir.
There are no comments yet