India capable of giving befitting reply: Sonia

R S PURA (Jammu): Warning Pakistan against taking India's "wish for peace" as a weakness, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, on Sunday, said the country was capable of giving a "befitting reply" to those using their soil for abetting and promoting terrorism against it.

"Our wish for peace and friendship should not be taken as a sign of weakness," Gandhi told an election rally near Indo-Pak border belt and voiced disappointment over Pakistan's failure to reciprocate India's efforts for better ties.

"While we have tried to build friendly relations with the neighbouring country, I want to make it clear that we are capable of giving a befitting reply to those who are using their soil for promotion and abetment of terrorism against our country," the UPA chairperson said in R S Pura Assembly constituency.

India wanted peaceful and friendly relations with our neighbouring country in the same way it wants peace and tranquility within the country, she said.

"We have tried to build friendly relations but it is a matter of regret that they have not understood our feelings," said Gandhi, who arrived in a chopper to address a rally in Dablehr area barely 3-kms away from international border.

The last round of the seven-stage elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on December 24.