KASHMIR-PM 2LST

The Prime Minister noted that the Central and the state
governments had already appealed to the people of the state,
especially the youth, to eschew violence. "I reiterate that
appeal," he said.
"We are ready for dialogue with anybody or any group
that does not espouse or practice violence," Singh said.
"It is indeed tragic that some of our people have
foresaken this path (of dialogue) during the recent days," he
said at the meeting called in the wake of three-month long
cycle of violence in which over 80 people have lost their
lives.
Expressing shock and distress over the fact that men,
women and even children have been joining the protests on the
streets of Kashmir, Singh said, "while some of these protests
may have been impulsive or spontaneous, it cannot be denied
that some incidents were orchestrated by certain groups."
He said the developments of the last three months "must
persuade us to reflect and deliberate on the way forward."
The Prime Minister said the Centre would provide all
possible assistance to the state to restore peace and public
order to create conditions congenial for a dialogue process.
Noting that over the past few weeks, several leaders
from across political spectrum have spoken or written to him
on issues concerning the state, Singh said he had convened the
meeting to "seek guidance" from various political parties on
the "complex issue that we face in Jammu and Kashmir today".
The meeting is expected to seek consensus on the various
initiatives that the government could take to restore peace
and normalcy in the state. PTI MS
AHM


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