India PM sticks with Pakistan peace effort

NEW DELHI – Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh vowed on Sunday to carry forward peace efforts with Pakistan, but said cross-border violence could affect the tentative process which began last year.

Singh said in a speech marking India’s independence day anniversary that mutual trust was necessary to sustain the peace process with Pakistan. “It is evident that cross-border terrorism and bloodshed can make this task difficult,” he said.Guerrilla violence in the disputed region of Kashmir has increased in recent months, despite an ongoing dialogue between the nuclear-armed neighbours who both lay claim to the region.New Delhi has long blamed Pakistan for helping the 15-year revolt in Kashmir, a charge denied by Islamabad.The two sides have held talks on all outstanding issues in the past few months including Kashmir but have announced no breakthrough.- Nampa-Reuters”It is evident that cross-border terrorism and bloodshed can make this task difficult,” he said.Guerrilla violence in the disputed region of Kashmir has increased in recent months, despite an ongoing dialogue between the nuclear-armed neighbours who both lay claim to the region.New Delhi has long blamed Pakistan for helping the 15-year revolt in Kashmir, a charge denied by Islamabad.The two sides have held talks on all outstanding issues in the past few months including Kashmir but have announced no breakthrough.- Nampa-Reuters