Kashmir shuts down as Singh arrives

A general strike called in Indian Kashmir shut down much of the region on Monday, as Manmohan Singh began a 2 day visit.

A general strike called in Indian Kashmir shut down much of the region on Monday, as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh began a two-day visit to attend a university convocation, and review the security situation and development projects.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while addressing a convocation ceremony at Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University stated that good relations with Pakistan were in the interest of India.

Singh said bilateral talks and cordial relations between the two countries would pave the way to address the issue of terrorism and that Pakistan should not allow its land to be used by terrorists.

He said that the Indian Government is interested in talking to Kashmiris for the sake of peace, but they will not talk to parties who will not lay down their arms.