10 February 2005	Thursday	30 Zilhaj 1425

CHAKWAL, Feb 9: Pakistan and India can emerge a big power and occupy a significant place on the global map by resolving their disputes through dialogue and interacting together.

This was stated by Chief Minister of Indian state of Haryana Om Prakash Chautala while speaking at a public reception at the Kattas Raj here on Wednesday.

Mr Chautala, who arrived Pakistan on a four-day visit on Tuesday, was on a one-day pilgrimage tour to Kattas Raj, the second sacred place of Hindus.

In his address, he stressed the need for people-to-people contact to bring the two countries closer. "Here I feel at home," he said.

He appreciated Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi's efforts for bringing the two Punjabs closer and strengthening relations between India and Pakistan. He hoped that his Pakistani counterpart would continue his efforts.

Chief Minister Chautala said the people of the two countries wanted peace. "We should honour the will of the people on both sides of the border," he exerted.

Mr Chautala said the partition of the subcontinent was inevitable but stressed that all bitterness of the past should be buried as new era of love and brotherhood has started in the region.

The Haryana chief minister said he was very happy to visit Kattas Raj, as it was his long cherished dream that has now been fulfilled. Despite bad weather he reached Kattas Raj.

Expressing satisfaction over the development projects the Punjab government has launched in the area, Mr Chautala hoped that Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi would allocate more funds for the uplift of Kattas Raj and preservation of the historic places.

The chief minister was of the view that the preservation of Kattas Raj would be a focal point as Hindus were very keen to visit their sacred place.

Mr Chautala announced a grant of Rs100,000 for the development of Kattas Raj.

A minority member of the District Council, Ravindar Kumar, also briefed the guests about the efforts made by the district government for the preservation of the cultural heritage.

Mr Kumar, while speaking on the occasion, demanded of the Punjab chief minister to direct all the district governments of the province to look after Hindus' holy places. He appreciated Pakistan government for the steps taken for the uplift and protection of minorities. He said minorities were enjoying unhindered political and religious freedom.

Ilyas Bhatti of archaeological department through multimedia presentation highlighted the historical background of temples at Kattas.

Earlier, Chakwal District Nazim Sardar Ghulam Abbas in his address of welcome commended the efforts of President Gen Pervez Musharraf for introducing new system of local government and providing protection to minorities. He also appreciated Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi for granting Rs20 million funds for development of Kattas and its surrounding localities.

The district nazim presented gifts to the Haryana chief minister, his wife and members of his entourage and hosted a lunch in their honour at the District Council Rest House in Kalar Kahar.