The President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on Friday advocated creation of economic zones along the Line of Control that draws the border between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir [Images].

"Presently the area close to the LoC is not used for cultivation at all. The state government in consultation with the army may consider allotting the land for horticulture and agriculture utilisation.

The creation of such economic zones would increase the prosperity of the people living there who would then oppose intervention from wrong elements," he said.

Dr Kalam arrived here from Leh this afternoon accompanied by the state governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha and chief minister Ghulam [Images] Nabi Azad. Later he drove to the Sheri Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) where he addressed the joint session of the state legislature.

In his 40 minute speech Kalam also emphasised the need for involvement of the local people against terrorism. "Citizens must be allowed to participate in large numbers for curbing terrorism," he said.

"Those who wish to co-operate in the peace mission must be provided special security. The state government should authorise law enforcement agencies to make the state free from terrorists in a mission mode approach."

In his address the President said that conducive conditions have to be created for the return of all the Kashmiris who had left the state.

Kalam said tourism has "...a tremendous potential for growth in this beautiful land. The state should create a secure and friendly atmosphere for tourists. This can be done by promoting an attitude amongst all citizens of the state to treat a visitor as a guest and ensure that his safety is their collective responsibility."