Sonia lauds successful J&K panchayat polls

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UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday appreciated the participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the panchayat elections by showing courage and voting in large numbers despite threats from militants.

"I want to congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir for taking part in panchayat elections in large numbers inspite of difficulties and threats," Gandhi told a public rally after laying the foundation stone of the first-ever cable-stayed bridge in the state on river Ravi here.

"Panchayat is a foundation of the democracy. You (the people of J&K) have come forward openly for voting (in the panchayat elections). The way you have exercised and are exercising your rights to vote is a gift and a lesson to those who by their acts want to terrorise and weaken us," she said.

Gandhi, flanked by Union ministers A.K. Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Farooq Abdullah, M. Pallam Raju, chief minister Omar Abdullah and JKPCC chief Saifuddin Soz, earlier laid the foundation stone of a 592-metre-long bridge on river Ravi at Basohli in Kathua district, the first-ever cable-stayed bridge in the state.

Expressing her support for various issues concerning peace and development in the state, Gandhi said, "The entire country is saluting you (the people of J&K) for your courage and bravery in fighting cross-border terrorism".

She said the UPA-II government will extend full support to the state on peace, development and economic fronts.

"We want development and prosperity in all the three regions of the state — Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir," she said.

Gandhi further said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and chief minister Omar Abdullah are working in close coordination to ensure peace, development and prosperity of the state.

Referring to the employment package announced by the Central government for Jammu and Kashmir, Gandhi said, "I want to tell you that the Central government has made a new programme to provide one lakh jobs to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in next 3-5 years. Under this package, boys and girls would be trained in various skills and courses for ensuring their employment."

She said the state and Central governments are committed to back the people of Jammu and Kashmir in all areas of peace and development so that they can flourish.