Srinagar, Apr 7 (UNI) National Conference (NC) Chief Patron Farooq Abdullah today urged India and Pakistan to make serious efforts to remove the ''dust settled on hearts'' of the people of Jammu and Kashmir which will go a long way in resolving the vexed issue.

He also welcomed the recent steps taken by India and Pakistan to resolve the contentious Kashmir issue.

Addressing a public meeting here, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said the two countries should fix a time-frame to resolve the Kashmir issue.

He claimed that attempts were being made by vested interest to divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir ''But, the people should defeat the evil designs of the vested interest and unitedly press for their demands,'' Dr Abdullah added.

He said several hundred youth have been killed and the people have suffered immensely since the onset of militancy in 1989-90.

''Those responsible for deterioration of situation in the state have now changed their roles and claim to be the messiahs of the people,'' the NC leader added.

Dr Abdullah said he had offered to step down from the Chief Minister's post in 1989 and 1996 to silence the guns and work for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.

UNI AG PA RAI2004