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PM announces new economic package for J&K

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday announced a Rs 61.65 billion economic package for development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Vajpayee, addressing a press conference after his three-day visit to the state, assured Centre's full support for the development of the state.

The entire amount would be spent on the development of Jammu and Kashmir, including the cost of construction of the Leh-Manali road, Vajpayee said.

Pointing out towards the serious power shortage being faced by the state, he said steps were being taken to overcome it and Union Power Minister Suresh Prabhu would visit the state to discuss various projects.

Vajpayee said that the first railway line between Udhampur and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir would be completed by the year 2007.

The rail track via Srinagar will cost Rs 36 billion.

Vajpayee, who met a cross-section of people of the state during his three-day tour, said, "People in the state want speedy development. They are fed up with unemployment."

The government would make efforts to create new job opportunities, he added.

With regard to the development of the state he said some projects were already under implementation and more will be taken up in future.

On the assembly election due before October, the prime minister said, "I have already announced and I will repeat that these will be free, fair and impartial."

Vajpayee said he was looking forward to the coming polls with the hope that they will help in improving the situation.

"We want all the people of the state from all walks of life to participate in the elections," he said, adding the Election Commission has already revised the voter list.

"Steps are being taken to ensure that no person is left out," the prime minister said.

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