Day after Srinagar attack,PM says wont let terror succeed

Announces special aid of Rs 710 cr to acquire land for rural roads

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A day after militants killed eight Army personnel in Srinagar,Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Tuesday that the nefarious designs of terrorists cannot succeed as the entire country stands united against them.

On his arrival on a two-day visit,Singh along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi went straight to the Army Base Hospital at Badamibagh Cantonment to check on the condition of security personnel injured in Mondays attack.

Addressing a 30,000-strong gathering after laying the foundation stone of the 850 MW Rattle hydroelectric power project at Drabshalla near Kishtwar,Singh said,Though I feel that the situation has improved and the incidents of terrorist violence have decreased this year as compared to 2012,we still need to fully check such attacks.

He stressed the need to build confidence and ensure people participation in the development process. He urged the people to participate in the poll process. Singh and Sonia are scheduled to inaugurate the rail service between Banihal and Qazigund on Wednesday.

In a meeting with the council of ministers,Singh announced a special aid of Rs 710 crore to acquire land for rural roads. He also called for enhancing agriculture growth and said he would provide more funds under horticulture mission. The PM also released a postal stamp of poet Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre. I am very happy. This should have been done much earlier. He is William Wordsworth of Kashmir, Singh said.

Singh also met a National Conference NC delegation,which sought the Centre to consider the Autonomy Resolution passed by the Assembly. The NC members urged the PM to consider reports of working groups and the one submitted by the interlocutors.

The NC delegation sought a process for rehabilitation and return of misguided Kashmiri youth who crossed the LoC but have not indulged in any subversive activities. Their return should be facilitated, said a senior NC leader.

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the need for political resolution of grievances and resumption of meaningful dialogue with Pakistan. Meanwhile,security was stepped up in Srinagar even as a complete shutdown was observed across the valley following a call given by separatists to protest against Singhs visit. From early morning,Jamp;K Police and CRPF personnel were deployed on the streets of Srinagar. Roads to the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre were closed.