New Delhi ready to talk on autonomy

Etalaat News Service

New Delhi, August 28:

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had a review meeting about the growing unrest in Jammu and Kashmir which was chaired by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and in which Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil briefed the meeting about the proposed agreement underway with the Hindu Shri Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti in Jammu.

Congress said the government was willing to talk to separatists wanting more autonomy, but not with those demanding total freedom. “Those who want more autonomy are on a different footing than those who want secession,” said Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi at a press briefing.

“For those who want secession, there is a single and firm message. The decades-old parliament resolution that the whole of Kashmir across the Line of Control is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir is still valid,” he said. “The UPA has said time and again that the government is open to dialogue with those who want alternative models of autonomy,” said Singhvi.

Claiming progress in talks with the Jammu-based Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti, he said, “We are happy that the BJP, trying to fish in troubled waters, has been kept at a safe distance by the Samiti.”

Singhvi said the UPA government wanted all disagreeing groups on the negotiating table. “The government is open for all constructive elements to engage in constructive dialogue,” he said.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister P Chidambaram, National Security Advisor MK Narayanan and Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta were also present at the meeting.