Way out of Kashmir problem emerging: PM

Vajpayee said a way out of the Kashmir problem was emerging as he vowed that India would defeat Pak-sponsored terrorism.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Saturday said a way out of the Kashmir problem was emerging as he vowed that India would defeat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

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"Kashmir samasya ko hal karne ka raasta nikal raha hai (A way to solve Kashmir issue is emerging)," he said addressing his first election rally here.

Referring to the just-concluded Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Vajpayee said though Pakistan had warned that those casting ballots would face bullets, the people of the state displayed exemplary courage and participated in the polls.

"They (people) were not frightened. They braved bullets and took bullets but voted to demonstrate the value of votes," he said adding "if anybody wants to know the importance of votes, ask the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

Referring to his Independence Day address promising free and impartial elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said "people had laughed at it, questioning how it was possible."