Omar calls on Sonia, thanks her for Centre's support

New Delhi, Jan 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and thanked her for the support extended by the Centre to the NC-Congress coalition government in the state.

Accompanied by host of leaders from the state including Union minister Farooq Abdullah and state Congress President Saif-ud-din Soz, the chief minister handed over a book highlighting achievements of the state in the last three years.

Omar briefed Sonia about the various challenges his government has faced and how a growth story of peace, progress and prosperity in the state was written, an official spokesperson said in a release after the meeting.

The chief minister also apprised her about the measures taken by his government to empower the people of the state and provide them credible, transparent, effective and people friendly governance.

He said after the successful conduct of the Panchayat elections, the state government was firm on holding polls in the urban local bodies before the middle of this year.

Thanking her for the continued support and guidance for the betterment of the state and the welfare of its people, Omar assured Sonia that his government will put all efforts to realise the "dream of the National Conference-Congress alliance for a better and vibrant Jammu and Kashmir".

Others present at the meeting were Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and AICC General Secretary for Jammu and Kashmir Mohan Parkash.

PTI