Srinagar, October 29
Asserting that the Centre was ready for “serious discussions” with separatists in Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here today that a dialogue could be held with every group provided they shunned the path of violence.

“Violence must end in J&K. We are willing to carry all stakeholders with us. We need to end all the violence to begin a dialogue,” Manmohan Singh told reporters here at the end of his two-day visit to the state.

Asked about Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s justification of the gun, the PM said: “One should not read too much into statements made in anger. I still hope that all those who have the good and well being of the people of J&K in their heart will respond favourably to my appeal. “We are willing to engage in serious discussions with every group provided they shun the path of violence,” he added.

On charges of a senior Pakistan Minister that India was funding the Taliban in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said these were “totally false”. India’s role in Balochistan had no basis, he said, adding that the same applied to the charges for funding the Taliban. “We are victims of terrorism from Pakistan, aided and abetted by Pakistan and, therefore, references to both Baluchistan and the Taliban are totally false,” he said.

On talks with Pakistan, the Prime Minister said it was necessary to create a conducive atmosphere for meaningful negotiations for which it was necessary for the neighbouring country to control terrorism. Saying the destinies of India and Pakistan were closely interlinked, he said it was necessary to eliminate terrorist elements to ensure a proper atmosphere for holding negotiations.

The Prime Minister, who arrived here yesterday to inaugurate the Anantnag-Qazigund rail link, was addressing mediapersons today before his departure for New Delhi. . “I return today fully satisfied with my visit. I believe that a new chapter is opening in the peace process in the state and we are turning a corner. We will extend full support to the efforts of the state government to fulfil the high expectations of people,” he said in his opening remarks.During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister had “wide ranging discussions” with all major political parties in the state and various sections of civil society.

Referring to his appeal for a dialogue, Manmohan Singh hoped that it would be reciprocated in the spirit in which it was made. He had made an appeal to the Kashmir separatists for a dialogue in his public meeting in south Kashmir yesterday. “We have to carry all stakeholders with us to achieve a permanent and peaceful reconciliation in Jammu and Kashmir so that we can concentrate on an ambitious development agenda that will lead to a full economic revival and reconstruction,” he stated.Replying to questions, the Prime Minister held that much headway had been made on the CBMs on people-to-people contact and trade with Pakistan. “We have already outlined what needs to be done,” the Prime Minister said, adding that there was need to move forward on the CBMs.

Hoping that Pakistan would create a situation in this direction, Manmohan Singh held that this movement forward required cooperation from people and the government of Pakistan.