Sonia Gandhi's speech at the AICC meet

New Delhi: These are the main points made by Sonia Gandhi in her speech at the AICC session.

ON J&K

The events of the last few months in J&K  have been painful. I speak for all of us when I express my anguish over the loss of so many young lives. Our sorrow for those who died does not diminish our gratitude for our security personnel who are confronted with most difficult and delicate situations. We need meaningful political dialogue with all shades and regions of Jammu and Kashmir. I urge all those who are dissatisfied in J&K with the government to trust the government, give peace a chance and enable us to build a future for them. An entire generation has seen violence and death, this isn't the future.
 

ON NAXALS AND TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT

Naxalism or left-wing extremism is a serious internal security threat. We have maintained that police action is necessary but greater emphasis is essential on economic issues. There must be greater sensitivity for daily concerns of tribals living there. These areas need to be developed but it is the nature of development that is in question. People must have a say and they must have a stake. Destroying their habitat through indiscriminate exploitation of their natural resources does not end the abject poverty in which they are languishing.

AYODHYA VERDICT

On October 5, 2010, the Congress party steering committee meeting adopted a resolution stating our position. The judgement in no way - in no way-  condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. This was shameful  - a criminal act - for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

We all remember how tense the country was in the days prior to the judgement. It is a tribute to our country that the people ensured peace and harmony prevailed.

Broader message for us all is that our fight against communalism of all kinds, against fanaticism of all types has to continue unabated. This is a political struggle for a secular India.

ON 26/11

It will soon be 2 years since brutal attacks in Mumbai. Those responsible for this ghastly tragedy must be brought to justice. The terrorist threat is real and constant, we will never relax our vigil.


While making the concluding remarks she also said that her job is not easy and at times she has to make tough decisions. She said people have to trust her if they have chosen her as their leader. (Read: My job is not an easy one)