Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has underlined the importance of good Indo-Pak relations for peace and development in the sub-continent and has expressed the hope that coming days will witness amity between India and Pakistan. The Chief Minister was addressing a public gathering at border village Abtal in Samba district on Wednesday after laying foundation of Rs. 9.92 crore Model Village-Project. He said that Jammu & Kashmir always reaps benefits of friendly ties between the two neighbours adding that the calm borders and thaw in relations produce positive dividends for both the countries. AIR correspondent V.K. Raina reports from Jammu that Omar Abdullah sought people’s cooperation in fulfilling the development promises he has made to them during electioneering and for restoration of peace and normalcy in the State. He said that his government is committed to Panchayat Elections in the State. He said that though, the law and order situation in Kashmir Valley has hampered the process, yet government is determined to move ahead in this regard and hold elections to Panchayats in next few months. The Chief Minister said that State Government was presently losing Rs. 350 crores annually for not having Panchayats in place adding there is urgent need to have Panchayats in place and catapult the development in rural areas. Omar emphasized large participation of women in Panchayat elections and asked them to contest elections and be involved in the all round development of their areas.