New Delhi, Aug 2: Expressing pain over the upsurge in violence in Kashmir, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has said the state government should give a push to development to address the situation besides bringing to book elements who are "instigating" unrest in the valley.
 Gandhi, whose party is a coalition partner in the Omar Abdullah government, said, "we are pained by the upsurge in violence in J and K recently. My deepest condolence to those innocent men and women who were killed in this mindless violence."
 In a message to party cadres in the Congress mouthpiece 'Sandesh', she said, "I understand there are elements with ulterior motives that were instigating these attacks. These elements must be identified and brought to book."
 At the same time, she said there should be a continued push on the development agenda. "Ultimately development, which creates jobs and livelihood opportunities, is the key instrument against terrorism and violence."
 Meanwhile, the party steered clear of questions whether Abdullah should be replaced in view of the situation.
 "This is sensitive situation. Right now, the Centre and the state should act in concert," party spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan told reporters when asked if Abdullah should be replaced.
 Describing the situation as a "matter of grave concern", Natarjan said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is directly seized of the matter.
 "We would like to emphasise that people of J and K should not fall prey to the machinations from across the border," she said.
 In her 'Letter to the Congresspersons' in party mouthpiece 'Congress Sandesh', Gandhi emphasised on engaging Pakistan to address outstanding issues.
 Referring to the recent Foreign Minister-level parleys and earlier talks between the Home Ministers of the two countries, she said,
 "These are welcome steps forward. It is important that we engage our neighbour to address outstanding issues, in particular the issue of cross-border terrorism".
 She said, "We have reiterated that effective action by Pakistan against terrorism is central to restoring good relations between our countries".
 Gandhi said that India must continue to insist that Pakistan takes the investigation into the Mumbai terror attacks seriously and bring all the perpetrators of that terrible crime to justice.
 "While we strive for peace, we cannot and will not be soft on terrorism," she added.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Aug 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Aug 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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