Manmohan Singh dedicates Chenab Bridge to nation (lead: Manmohan)

Akhnoor (J-K), Apr 25 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday inaugurated the country's longest cantilever bridge on the Chenab River.

J-K Governor Lt Gen (retired) S K Sinha, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed were among others who were present during the occasion.

Soon after inaugurating the bridge, Dr Singh expressed hope that India and Pakistan would be able to put the "past behind" and move forward with a "sense of urgency" without "false fears or narrow agendas."

"I hope that we (India and Pakistan) will be able to put the past behind us and that we can move forward with a sense of urgency, not inhibited by false fears or narrow agendas," said the Prime Minister.

"I have been heartened by the very positive statements made by the new leaders (of Pakistan)," he added.

Talking about the infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh said: "I am happy to learn that in the last financial year the Border Roads Organisation has completed 3200 meters of bridge construction and this year it aims to attain a target of 5000 meters. I am also happy to learn that another bridge over river Ravi is being built in this State. This will further improve intra-state and inter-state connectivity for Jammu and Kashmir."

After inaugurating the bridge, Dr Singh left for Katra where he will address first convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) University.

On April 26, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Dul Hasti project and address a public meeting at Kishtwar.

ANI