Our Special Correspondent

Bangalore: On a tour of the industrial capitals of India to woo big time investment as a part of the "healing touch process" of his government, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed said that he was very satisfied with the response received from the captains of the Indian industry vis-ŕ-vis setting up industries and infrastructure in the valley state.

"The response from the corporate sector has been wonderfully overwhelming. As you have heard from people today, many of them have planned units there and some have even started their units. Things can't happen in a day, but it is very pleasing to note that the mindset of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is also changing," Mufti Sayeed told reporters on the sidelines of an inter-action organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry on January 23.

"We haven't set any specific target for the investments in Jammu and Kashmir. But in my estimate from the trip that we undertaken at present to Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chenna, it could touch up to Rs 1,000 crore. I expect a lot of integration especially from the Information Technology (IT) sector," he said.

"The climatic condition in Jammu and Kashmir is excellent for the IT industry and you don't require air-conditioning facilities. As far as floriculture is concerned, Kashmir is suitable for roses," he stated.

Referring to the issue of Kashmiri pandits - many of whom have migrated from the state, he said, "We can't say that the state is back to normalcy till all the Kashmiri pandits return home. We are making arrangements for their return and as a first phase we will focus on the two pilgrimage centres Mattan and Kher Bhavani."

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has announced a scheme for the re-development of the two pilgrimage centres. "Unless we can't take back our own people how can we say we have become normal," he quipped.

"The Defence Minister will have to talk about the issue of infiltration. But, in my view all I can say is that it has been brought under considerable control. We have to change the internal dimension…if we set the internal dimension in order no amount of external influence can help," he replied to a query on terrorism and infiltration.

On his Bangalore visit, he said, "This city is very good in terms of educational institutions and facilities. You have a number of engineering colleges, medical colleges and many computer institutes. Many of the youngsters (from Jammu and Kashmir) who have not taken to militancy are coming here for their education. Karnataka has been very co-operative and encouraging for Jammu and Kashmir.

The J&K Chief Minister also had a big word of praise for the Central Silk Board (CSB) stating that the new seed developed by the CSB, the cocoon production methods and marketing techniques are well co-ordinated efforts.