NEW DELHI: Participants at the first round table conference on Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday were unanimous on the absolute necessity to maintain the unity of the State while providing adequate space for the blossoming of regional and sub-regional identities.

"This will require understanding, accommodation and appreciation of the great diversity that exists in the State and wherever necessary, structural arrangements for providing full scope to the latent creativity of the people living in different regions of the State. Concrete measures ought to be taken to realise the vision of regional federalism," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.

Partnerships sought

In his opening remarks, Dr. Singh sought partnerships to construct a naya (new) Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, saying that those who did not participate in the round table will join once they see obvious merits in sharing ideas. "We have even initiated a political dialogue with those outside the mainstream electoral system, including those from the Hurriyat Conference. I have stated on several occasions that I am personally willing to meet and talk to anyone from the State who eschews violence," he told participants.

Dialogue of equals

He described the round table as a "dialogue" where "no one preaches and no one just listens. This is a dialogue of equals who promise to work together." He said the meeting would achieve "historical importance" only "if we are able to unleash a process by which we can arrive at a workable blueprint that can help create a new chapter in Kashmir history. Not by compromising on one's idea, but in a spirit of mutual tolerance, understanding and accommodation."

Agreeing that there would be differences of opinion among the delegates, he said: "We want the people of Jammu and Kashmir to be free from all fears about their future. It is only this sense of comprehensive security, within a framework of good governance that can really empower the people." He said the vision of empowerment and comprehensive security was related to good governance and people's active participation in formulating policies and monitoring their implementation.

Briefing reporters, National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and the Centre's interlocutor on Kashmir N.N. Vohra said ideas of self-rule and autonomy were explained by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference. They said the overpowering sentiment was to keep the dialogue process going and others could also join.

Mr. Narayanan said the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, felt that secessionist groups formed a minuscule and the common view was that all opinions should be considered.

"The absence of certain groups is their loss. Many participants felt that they will get further marginalised," Mr. Narayanan said.

He said that there was no contradiction between the ongoing composite dialogue with Pakistan and the round table conference. It would not adversely impact the India-Pakistan dialogue.

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