Kargil: Asserting that peace process with Pakistan would be strengthened, Congress president and UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today (Sep 30, 2004) said the Government would take every step to resolve the Kashmir problem through dialogue and reconciliation.

The peace process with Pakistan would not only continue but also be strengthened further to establish peace in the region, she said addressing a public meeting in Kargil.

"The UPA Government will take every step to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and reconciliation," said Gandhi on her first visit to Kargil after the UPA Government assumed office.

The meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on the sidelines of UN General Assembly was a step towards establishing peace in the region, she said.

The Congress president said war between the two countries in the past had brought nothing but havoc.

Assuring the people of the State of all round development, Gandhi asked the PDP (People's Democratic Party)-led Government, in which Congress is a major partner, to take special care of the people on the border, who have faced lot of difficulties and miseries.

She said the UPA Government was committed to ensure development of Jammu and Kashmir with focus on tourism, handicrafts, and electricity generation.

Describing people of Kargil as soldiers without uniform, she said they have witnessed a turbulent period and rendered numerous sacrifices during the Kargil war.