UPA pursuing multi-pronged strategy for peace in J

New Delhi, Feb 25 (UNI) President Pratibha Patil today reiterated the UPA government's commitment to working out a holistic approach for building confidence among all sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir and said it is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to ensure peace, normalcy and development in the state.

Addressing a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, marking the beginning of the Budget session, Ms Patil said easier travel across the Line of Control, better governance and closer attention to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir were the other areas of priority for the Manmohan Singh led-government.

''The Government, working with state Government, is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy.... and is working out a holistic approach aimed at confidence building amongst all sections of society...,'' she added.

Lauding the UPA government for its Round Table initiative, the President said it reflected a wide-ranging civic and political consensus on political and developmental issues.

Asserting that the overall internal security in the country was under control, she said the Government was ''fully alive''to the threat of terrorism.

''The entire nation stood as one in condemning inhuman acts of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Assam.

''The Conference of Chief Ministers on Internal Security underscored the importance of Centre and the States working together to fight the menace of extremism and terrorism.'' Ms Patil pointed out that modernisation of the police and security forces and of intelligence gathering systems was receiving ''high attention'' of the Government.

Listing out the developmental initiatives taken in the troubled state, the President said the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan was being implemented vigorously.

''It focuses on improving connectivity and infrastructure, including power, and generating employment in the state,'' she said in her 55-minute maiden speech to a joint session of Parliament.

Ms Patil said as part of the Plan, a Housing Project for Kashmiri Migrants was under implementation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The President said the UPA has focused on strengthening All India Radio and Doordarshan services in Jammu and Kashmir '' The Urdu Channel of Doordarshan has commenced 24x7 services,'' she added.

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