NEW DELHI, Oct 8: Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh spoke to President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Saturday to express shock over the earthquake devastating both parts of Kashmir and offer help in relief work.
During the six-minute telephonic conversation, President Musharraf reciprocated the sentiments of the Indian prime minister, the latter’s media adviser Dr Sanjaya Baru said.
Dr Singh and Gen Musharraf decided that the high commissioners of the two countries would be in touch with their respective governments regarding cooperation in the relief work, Dr Baru said.
Kashmiri resistance leaders welcomed the offer by both leaders to reach out across the Line of Control.
“Indian and Pakistani leaders’ gestures should be seen as a humanitarian effort in our moment of grief,” Mr Malik said on telephone from Srinagar.
Earlier on Saturday, Dr Singh in a message to the president said: “While parts of India have also suffered in this unexpected natural disaster, we are prepared to extend any assistance with rescue and relief which you may deem appropriate.”
Earlier the PTI reported from Islamabad that Pakistan was not averse to coordinate with Indian army in providing relief to earthquake-hit people on both sides of the LoC and the two armies could use the hotline facility if needed.
