New Delhi, Sept. 14: The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has said that the government is willing to have a dialogue on various issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir with any individual or group provided they do not espouse or practice violence.
The PM’s remark reaching out to all provided they eschew violence was part of his opening statement at the all-party meeting held here on Wednesday to discuss the troubled state which has been roiled by even greater disturbances in recent months.
Stressing the need to abjure violence more than once in his speech, the PM said, “meaningful dialogue can happen only in an atmosphere free from violence and confrontation. Discussions can take place only if we have calm and public order.”
Stressing that the only way to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in J&K “is that of dialogue and discussion”, the PM added, “It is indeed tragic that some of our people have forsaken this path during the recent days.” Expressing shock and distress on seeing young men, women and children participating in street protests, the PM at remarked, “some incidents were orchestrated by certain groups”.
Calling upon the state government to “create conditions congenial to a dialogue process”, the PM assured all possible assistance in this task”.
He described as “unfortunate” the fresh surge in violence in recent days.