Jammu, March. 15 (PTI): Observing that Sino-India relations have improved over the years, the National Conference today urged the government to take up with Beijing the need to reopen the old Indo-China trade route to facilitate Kailash and Mansoravar pilgrimages.

"Sino-India relations have bettered in past and are moving further in the direction of friendly relations. Kepping this in view, Centre should take up with China the need to reopen India-China old trade route via Nobra valley of Ladakh region," former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, told reporters here.

Abdullah, who is also Patron of NC, said opening of the Nobra-China route would facilitate the smooth conduct of Kailash and Mansarovar yatras rather than the difficult route via Uttar Kashi and Nepal. "Not only this, it would also boost trade and toursim in Ladakh belt and provide hundreds of jobs to the umemployeed youth force," he said.

Praising both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, for taking positive initiatives to resolve Kashmir issue, he said the "current talks going on at several platforms from New Delhi to Pakistan will go a long way in resolving the Kashmir issue".

"From the round table Kashmir conference to Pugwash in Islamabad and other conferences to be held in Maldives and Karachi later this month are an indication of serious efforts being made in this direction," he said.