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Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday accused Pakistan of double standards and promised that elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be fair and free.
Urging the electorate in the state to come out and vote in large numbers in the forthcoming assembly polls, the prime minister said the polls would provide an opportunity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to create a better life for their children.
In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort, Vajpayee said those who call the J&K elections a farce, must look within.
"I repeat, Kashmir is an inseparable part of India and will remain so. Kashmir is not a piece of land for us, it is an enduring symbol of our secular traditions," he said.
The prime minister said the country was ready to face the drought that is threatening to derail the economy.
"We have ample stocks of food grains and the fundamentals of economy are sound. We are also putting into motion several schemes to tide over the crisis. Special care is being taken to see that our farmers are well protected," he said.
Pitching for power reforms, the prime minister quoted figures to illustrate the huge losses suffered by electricity boards because of power theft.
Greeting the heroes of Commonwealth games, the prime minister acknowledged the role played by women in this spectacular success. "I hope Indians will win medals like this in Olympic games as well," he said.
Terming as "unfortunate" the recent communal violence in Gujarat, the prime minister said such incidents have no place in a civilised society.
He said minorities would be given protection and equal status so that they could look forward to a better tomorrow.
The prime minister said a bright future was possible for the nation only if there was probity in public life, high moral values and an uncompromising attitude towards corruption.
Those holding high offices should maintain the dignity of the position they hold, he said.
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