Join the mainstream,Sonia tells separatists

Sonia Gandhi used the occasion to invite the separatists to join the mainstream. She urged them to draw lessons from the overwhelming participation of the people of Kashmir in the recent Assembly elections and join the democratic process. By voting in large numbers in the Assembly elections,Kashmiris have demonstrated to the world what they want. It is time that the separatist forces also listen now, Gandhi said during her speech.

She also called upon the politicians to think big and work for the good of the country. It is through the actions of those in politics that history is made or marred. So,we should always think of the larger good of the society and not sow hatred among the communities.

However,separatists said bringing Jammu and Kashmir on the international air map and connecting Budgam and Baramulla by train would not help in resolving the Kashmir issue while the ruling NC welcomed such measures.