Centre ready to hold talks with militants to resolve Kashmir issue

Srinagar, June 23 (UNI) The Centre today asserted that it was open to a dialogue with anyone, including the militants but was also determined to curb violence in the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the Editors Conference on Social Infrastructure Focusing on Jammu and Kashmir here, Home Secretary V K Duggal announced that five Working Groups are being set up for pursuance of the Prime Minister's vision to reconcile diverse views and carry forward the process of social, economic and political development.

The Working Group, which would soon be announced by the state government, would deliberate on the entire gamut of issues concerning Kashmiri people and society, he said.

''Once report of these Working Group is tabled in a few months time, the third Round Table Conference would be held. We are in touch with everyone and there will be an atmosphere conducive for the talks in which everyone should participate,'' Mr Duggal said.

He regretted that the Hurriyat Conference boycotted the second Round Table Conference on Jammu and Kashmir chaired by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to evolve a consensual framework for addressing the diverse ethnic, sub ethnic and regional concerns prevailing in the state.

Asserting that the government was ready to hold talks with anyone who abjures violence, Mr Duggal said that dialogue with separatist groups started in November 2004 and several rounds of discussion has since been held with different groups.

''There is no policy of the government not to involve any particular group including terrorists,'' he said. Mr Duggal said even the Prime Minister has invited anyone who abjures violence to the negotiating table. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has also urged ''everyone'' to join the consultative process.

''We remain firm in our belief that the dialogue process, although long and encompassing different options, is the only path to usher in peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir,'' the Home Secretary said.

He said the Working Group would have fair representation from all sections and even expert opinion could be sought to resolve the issue.

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