Date:11/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/11/stories/2008101157870100.htm

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Manmohan offers dialogue

Shujaat Bukhari

“J&K polls will be free and fair”

— Photo: PTI

VALLEY ON WHEELS: Workers give finishing touches to the sleek train that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will flag off on Saturday, at Srinagar’s Nowgam railway station. The rail service is the first in the Valley. It will initially connect Rajwansher and Anantnag, covering a distance of 66 km.

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the government was ready for a dialogue with all sections but did not specify any group or individual. He said the elections in the State would be free and fair and that was the best way in a democracy to test the popularity of any group.

Addressing a press conference here, Dr. Singh said: “It has always been our belief that even the most difficult issues can be resolved through dialogue. This is the reason why we started a series of round table conferences. The government will welcome dialogue with all sections of people. This also includes those who have so far opted to stay out of the political process.

“I urge that whoever has complaints and grievances should come forward for a dialogue. At an appropriate stage, I would also be happy to meet such people.”

Stalled talks

To a question why the dialogue between the Centre and the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference got stalled, he said: “I had asked them to come with specific proposals but they instead addressed the demands through the media which cannot be taken seriously.”

Asked about the demand of separatists for tripartite talks, he said: “Let us explore the possibility of bilateral talks. I appeal to all the people to participate in the electoral process which would be free and fair.”