| September 2010 Dear Friends,
The devastation caused by the monsoon has been continuous and relentless. I have been to Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh and seen the damage caused by large scale flooding in these regions. Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab have also been ravaged by flood waters. The Centre is providing all help but State governments must also ensure that central assistance is properly spent to rehabilitate villagers who have been forced into relief camps. This unprecedented natural disaster in many regions of India has once again focused our attention on the need to putting in place effective and timely disaster management procedures.
Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed violence and tension in the last few months. This situation has arisen after many years during which we saw growing stability and successful democratic elections. Jammu & Kashmir has a special place in our polity. It is an integral part of India and peace in this region is of paramount importance. While violence is not a solution and must be contained, the anger manifesting itself amongst Kashmiri youth in particular, must also be addressed. We must respect their legitimate aspirations. Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh has taken effective steps to reach out by calling an all-Party meeting in Delhi. This was followed by an all-Party delegation led by the Home Minister. It met and interacted with different leaders and groups in both Srinagar and Jammu. We hope that continued dialogue and the concrete policy initiatives which have been announced by the Government on 4th September, will lead to an end to the ongoing cycle of violence.
On the 30th of September, the Allahabad High Court delivered the verdict on the Ram Janam Bhoomi - Babri Masjid title suit. It goes to the credit of the people of our country that it was received in a mature and peaceful manner and no untoward acts were reported anywhere. The Congress Party respects the judicial process with regard to the Ram Janam Bhoomi - Babri Masjid title suit. However, we must now await the final decision of the Supreme Court, as and when the appeal is filed. In the meantime, the Congress welcomes efforts by the parties concerned with the litigation to find an amicable and peaceful settlement. It is important to underline that the verdict in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid on 6th December, 1992, which was a shameful and criminal act, for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Any distortion of the verdict by communal forces is detrimental to the larger national interest and will cause harm to the Nation's mood and desire for peace and harmony.
The Bihar assembly election is the next challenge facing the Congress Party. Our Party workers must give our opponents there a united fight. Only by doing so, we will strengthen our organization and lead the Party to victory.
Finally, I would like to thank all the Party workers and colleagues for once again reposing their faith in me and electing me President. I hold the post with honour and humility.
This is a season of festivities. We have just wished our Muslim brothers and sisters Id Mubarak. I wish you all a happy Dussehra and Deepavali.
Sonia Gandhi
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