JK: PM offers talks to those who abjure violence

New Delhi, Sep 13: Stressing that the grievances of the people of Kashmir have to be addressed, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday, Aug 13 vowed to hold talks with those who abure violence.

"Unrest in the state of Jammu and Kashmir over the last few weeks is a matter of concern. The youth of Kashmir are our citizens and their grievances have to be addressed.

"We are willing to talk to every person or group which abjures violence, within the framework of our Constitution," he told top commanders of the armed forces at a conference here.

The PM's remarks came in the backdrop of the high-level meetings being held to deliberate the withdrawal of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (ASFA) in the state in a bid to end violence.

However, Dr Singh did not touch up on the topic of AFSPA while speaking at the conference.

The Indian Army is against the revocation or dilution of the Act. Defence minister AK Antony, who supports the Army's contentions that the situation in the state was not conducive for withdrawal of AFSPA, conveyed the army's stand to the Congress Core Committee on Friday, Sep 10.

OneIndia News