By IANS,
Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) : United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi Wednesday said Kashmir has a “special place in secular democracy of India” and that all problems can be resolved through “democratic process of dialogue”.
“There would always be problems, but there is no problem that cannot be resolved through the democratic process of dialogue,” Sonia Gandhi told a large public gathering which had turned out despite chilly weather and extraordinary security restrictions.
“Kashmir has a special place in the secular democracy of India,” she said.
The UPA chairperson reminded the people that development of Kashmir could take place only if there was peace.
The valley would soon be connected with the Jammu region and the rest of the country through a rail link, she added.
“Tourism here must not only regain its old glory, but should also excel it.”
“The rail link between the valley and the rest of the country would also result in increased brotherhood between the people living here and outside,” she said.
She ent down the memory lane here Wednesday as she recalled the special love and affection India’s former prime minister Indira Gandhi had for Kashmir.
“She had come to Kashmir on Oct 28 in 1984 for the last time and we are here today (Wednesday) on the same day.”
“She loved Kashmir so much that she came here to see the changing colours of the Chinar leaves before parting from us forever,” Sonia Gandhi said.
Indira Gandhi was shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards in New Delhi Oct 31, 1984.