While political groups like the MNS have called for a ban on Pakistani artistes performing in India,following the Mumbai attacks,J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the move could prove counter-productive by marginalising the moderate forces in Pakistan. On the sidelines of a function to give away the Businessman of the Year award,instituted by Business India,to Oberoi Group chairman P R S Oberoi,he said the country expected Pakistan to respect the concerns expressed and ensure that its soil was not used for terror activities. Omar said Pakistan was not an enemy of India,but there were elements within the country (Pakistan) which did not want good relations with India. Hence,it was essential to prevent the marginalisation of moderate voices in Pakistan. Asked if the country was satisfied with Paks response over terror attacks,he said they were not completely satisfied. All the world powers had acknowledged that there was evidence in this case. He hoped Pakistan would rise above politics and help normalise relations. Speaking at the function earlier,the J-K CM called on the captains of the industry to help do away with the problem of unemployability for Kashmiri youth by helping create the necessary skill sets. In the recent Assembly elections,the Kashmiri people had voted for better infrastructure like roads,drinking water and electricity,he added.
